Pearce 'has words' with Richards

Stuart Pearce has already 'had a word' with Micah Richards and promises that there will be more to follow as a result of the right back's tantrum last night.

The 18 year old was substituted mid-way through the second half of Manchester City's 1-0 defeat to Reading and reacted with a hissy-fit, throwing his jersey to the floor in disgust.

The indiscipline must be extremely unwelcome for Pearce, who has already had to deal with the fall-out of Ben Thatcher's now infamous challenge on Pedro Mendes and had to endure yet another red card yesterday as Ousman Dabo was sent off for a dubious elbow on Steve Sidwell.

Pearce was notorious for his committed performances on the field and his spirited challenges, but his team at the moment appear to be taking his 'never-say-die' attitude a touch too far. Richards, in particular, has a lot to learn if he is going to fulfil his vast potential. The youngster has already courted controversy when he swore in an interview with Garth Crooks following his first goal against Aston Villa.

The incident has raised suspicions that Richards is perhaps unsettled at the club and could be on his way out in January. Tottenham had a 6 million pound bid rejected last month and should they repeat their interest in the New Year, the England Under 21 International could be heading to London.