Nigel Worthington believes the honesty of his players is beyond question - but he would have no hesitation in laying down the law if anyone allowed their standards to slip.

Nigel Worthington believes the honesty of his players is beyond question - but he would have no hesitation in laying down the law if anyone allowed their standards to slip.

Crystal Palace boss Iain Dowie revealed this week that he had fined Hungarian striker Sandor Torghelle for diving last season and called on his fellow managers to take a similar tough stance on a malaise that has been creeping into the game in recent years.

Worthington made it clear yesterday that he would follow a similar path if he felt one of his players had cheated to gained a penalty or get an opponent booked or sent off - but he doesn't expect to be taking action any time soon.

Commenting on the big talking point in English football right now, the City boss said: “I don't think we see too much of it in the Championship - and certainly not at this club.

“I want my players to be honest, I wouldn't want it any other way - and to be fair to them that's exactly what they are.

“But I see Iain fined a player for diving and if it happened here I would certainly deal with it. As to what the punishment would be, that would stay within the club.”

Worthington is not a manager who likes to talk about players at other clubs and had nothing specific to say about Chelsea pair Didier Drogba and Shaun Wright-Phillips, who have both been accused of tumbling to the ground rather too easily recently. But, speaking generally, he would like to see players staying on the feet whenever possible - and reckons managers should take responsibility if they feel an individual is trying to gain an advantage by simulation.

“I think the English game is the English game and it's important we keep it that way,” he said. “What does that mean? It means you get the occasional rough and ready challenge - and when that happens people get up and get on with it rather than trying to get an opponent booked by rolling over and so on.

“The game is about playing football, working hard, showing passion - not people who are trying to deceive.

“That's something we have never really seen in this country until recently - and it does seem to be spreading.

“It is down to each and every manager to control that and keep the game as clean as possible.”