Crouch says abuse of Maguire has 'gone past criticism and into ridicule'

Peter Crouch says he can relate to the abuse Harry Maguire is receiving and recalls the 'dark time' in his life when he was booed at Old Trafford and criticsed while playing for England.

Maguire was back in the firing line in England's win over Scotland at Hampden Park on Tuesday night, and was mocked by home fans before he scored an own-goal after coming on as a half-time substitute.

Maguire - who has fallen down the pecking order at Manchester United and lost his captaincy at the club - received even more abuse after the international friendly ended.

Crouch says he can relate to what Maguire is going through and backs the England defender to silence his critics with his football on the pitch - claiming 'he will come out the other side of it'.

Speaking ahead of Wolves' clash with Liverpool on Saturday, Crouch said: 'I can relate, unfortunately I was on the receiving end of a little bit of that. I went through a barren spell at Liverpool and when I was playing for England I was booed at Old Trafford. It was dark times.

'I feel will Harry Maguire it has gone past criticism and it is more ridicule. I don’t think that is what we want to see. He is going to have to answer it through his football. As long as he keeps quiet and lets the football do the talking, he will come out the other side of it...