Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott does not believe that Ashley Young is guilty of diving.

The Red Devils winger has come in for criticism recently after being accused of going to ground too easily to win penalties against Queens Park Rangers and Aston Villa.

However, Lescott has jumped to the defence of his England teammate, whom he said is staying within the laws of the game.

"A lot has been made of what has happened with Ashley in United's last few games, but if you don't make contact with him then he can't go down," said the 29-year-old. "I don't think he will go down without contact. He is feeling the ­defender and making the most of it.

"I'd like to think we would get the same decision if it happened to one of our players. In every team, players are taught to win penalties as long as they stay within the rules of the game. We're no different."

Lescott moved to Manchester City for £24m from Everton in 2009.