Sheffield United player-coach Gary Speed has slammed the diving in the Premiership.

The former Everton, Leeds and Newcastle star told the Sunday Express: "Whether you're a player, coach or manager you want to be involved at the highest level - and that's the Premier League in this country.

"But the thing I've enjoyed most about the Championship is the honesty of the players. You don't get players rolling around. There's no diving. You don't get players faking this and faking that.

"It's what the Premier League was like 10 years ago. The referees, for instance, seem to talk to you more because there isn't the same pressure on them.

"It can be tough and players will often leave a foot in when they tackle but it's an honest division. If some players did roll around in mock agony they'd soon be told to cut it out by their own team-mates. It just wouldn't be tolerated."