Stuart Pearce has admitted transfer-listed midfielder Joey Barton tends to play better with the weight of the world on his shoulders.The fiery former England Under-21 star has been in and out of trouble over the past 18 months, suffering his latest explosion a fortnight ago when he lashed out in disgust at the contract Manchester City hoped would keep him at the club. Yet throughout the turbulence, during which he was jeered by his own fans against Newcastle recently, the 23-year-old´s performances have improved."In some ways, Joey operates better when he has the worries of the world on his shoulders," said Pearce. "Then, he keeps his mouth shut a little bit more."
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