Pearce in nationality shock.

City boss Stuart Pearce has stunned the football world by announcing that he was not in fact qualified to play for England in his international career, but in fact should have turned out for Holland, on account of his true nationality - that of a Dutchman.
Well, not exactly true but it seems Psycho displayed a touch of the 'Kevin Keegans' when discussing the international merits of Sylvain Distin.
"If he is not an international player I am a Dutchman," Pearce told BBC GMR.
"He has got a bit of everything. He is unbelievable. He's got pace, he's got power, he can jump 16 feet".
Hang on, how high can he jump? Maybe the excellent form he has shown may not be down to just hard work on the training ground after all.
Still, Pearce has got it spot on as regards Distin being international class and I'm amazed that Distin hasn't featured in a French squad so far and worryingly, if he does miss out on a World Cup place with 'Les Bleus' could this force him to look to move to a 'bigger stage' bearing in mind his current contract expires summer 2007 and there has been interest in him previously from Everton, Newcastle and Villa - although I'm certain that none of those sides would appeal to Distin if he looks at the position he is currently in. A definite concern though, and as good as it has been to sign up the youngsters on medium and long term deals (with BWP the latest to sign on), surely all the stops should be pulled to retain Distin's services.
Another player whose deal runs out the summer after next is Joey Barton, and he has been in the press today dismissing rumours linking him with a move away from the club.
Barton has really knuckled down since the summer Thailand incident and off-field family problems and looks as if he is beginning to mature into the midfield player that many thought capable. Another one that it is crucial that we can get signed on for the next four or five years.