Steven Caulker leaps to defence of "honest" Malky Mackay

Steven Caulker has insisted that he had no issue with Malky Mackay during his time at Cardiff City, claiming that his former manager was always "a genuine and honest guy".

The 42-year-old, who was recently appointed as manager of Wigan Athletic, has been embroiled in controversy following the news that he exchanged text messages said to be of a racist, homophobic and sexist manner.

"For me, Malky was always a genuine and honest guy," Caulker is quoted as saying by the Daily Mail. "What he said or what he's done, I've only seen what the media are reporting - but I've not seen that side of him. He was great for me."

Mackay spent 11 months out of the game before taking up his current position at the DW Stadium, while the FA is still investigating the matter.