England U21 coach Stuart Pearce has shrugged off the criticism aimed his way in recent months.

Psycho knows his coaching reputation took a battering in June when his England Under-21s crashed 4-0 to Germany in the Euro Championship final.

And he was smashed again in The Sun last month after Danny Mills described his spell as Manchester City chief as 'terrible'.

Pearce said: "This profession can be so fickle you don't have a clue what is around the corner. In the summer my stock rose as we got to the final. We got beat and then it fell through the floor.

"You never know where your stock will be from game to game.

"And Danny was someone who didn't get a game, so I doubt he would say great things.

"I can't influence Danny's or others' opinions. Take as you find. If you like someone, great. If you don't, that's fine."

He added: "Every adversity I've ever had spurs me on. This summer will spur me on for the next two years. I only learn from the bad times. I'll keep learning and striving to become better."