PEP TO KEEPER THE FAITH

PEP GUARDIOLA is using the carrot and stick approach with keeper James Trafford.

- BY CHRIS MCKENNA

The Manchester City boss has backed him with the carrot of high praise after his Tottenham horror show - now he must decide whether to stick with him.

Pep knows that for all the platitudes the true level of his support will only be revealed by the City team-sheet for tomorrow's trip to Brighton.

The Spaniard (right) ensured the 22-year-old has felt the love after a calamitous error that sparked fresh speculation about the deposed Champions being ready to bring in Italian international Gianluigi Donnarumma in the latest potential twist to their summer goalkeeping merry-go-round.