Keane blasts ‘childlike’ Man City defender Stones

Matt Stead

John Stones has “got to be tougher and stronger”, according to tough, strong man Roy Keane.

Stones featured for Manchester City in their 1-1 draw with Borussia Monchengladbach on Wednesday, with a point securing City’s place in the Champions League knockout stages.

But the summer signing was partly at fault for the concession of the opener in Germany.

Stones was pressured and dispossessed by Lars Stindl in the first half, with his centre converted by Raffael.

City eventually levelled through David Silva, but Keane was unhappy with the 22-year-old’s efforts.

“It’s pretty straightforward,” he told ITV Sport. “He’s got to be stronger. He’s got to be tougher. It’s just too easy.

“It’s like a child getting knocked off the ball. Really poor defending.

“He’s got to be stronger.

“He’s a good player but he’s just got to be tougher and stronger.”