Martin O'Neill denies feud with Stuart Pearce over Craig Gardner injury

Apr 2 2008 By Bill Howell

MARTIN O'Neill today denied any rift with Stuart Pearce amid reports he was seeking "showdown talks" with the England Under-21 boss over Craig Gardner.

O'Neill remains angry at the loss of his utility man for a number of weeks with a thigh injury picked up in last week's Molineux friendly with Poland.

Gardner had even communicated to the bench he was carrying a knock but was not replaced until half-time.

But O'Neill has no plans to discuss the matter with the footballing authorities, unless the FA phone him.

There have been suggestions O'Neill has been on a collision course with Pearce since the summer when Gabby Agbonlahor could not be contacted for Under-21 duty for the European Championships in Holland.

But O'Neill denied any 'spat' with Pearce and said: "It is not true. I never said anything as adamant as seeking talks with him.

"Someone said 'will you speak to Stuart?' and I said 'I'm sure I will'. I think that is the way it was put. I haven't spoken to him, he hasn't spoken to me.

"I have no problem with Stuart Pearce. I get on fine with him. The Agbonlahor incident was cleared up but I am very unhappy about losing a player in our squad from a meaningless friendly. But the injury is done and I won't be seeking talks.

"If anyone wants to speak to me from the FA that is fine, but I won't be calling. What is the point? The incident is over."

Gardner will miss the visit of Bolton this weekend as well as the trip to Derby and perhaps the huge game with Blues.

O'Neill added: "He will be struggling for a few weeks. It's very disappointing for the lad and for us."