Jermaine Pennant has issued a response after he was taken off air by Sky Sports News for 'failing to meet standards.'
The former Liverpool and Arsenal winger appeared on the channel on Friday morning as part of their transfer talk segment.
Pennant appeared to be slurring his words and giving unclear answers whilst discussing the latest transfer news.
Sky replaced him with journalist David Reed during an ad break, but Pennant has now explained the reasons behind his behaviour.
"I arrived late for Sky Sports, I rushed on set meaning I was flustered hot and not briefed and I’d had a bad night sleep and taken a sleeping tablet," Pennant tweeted. "The show decided to replace me - and I respected their decision.
"Look forward to working with them in future regards Jermaine x."
Pennant is a regular pundit on radio broadcasters talkSPORT, but is not under employment with Sky.
He recently made an appearance on Sky's Soccer AM show less than a fortnight ago as a guest.
Following his removal from Sky's show on Friday, it is unclear whether he will work with the station in future.
A Sky Sports Spokesman had earlier told the Mail: " Jermaine Pennant was a guest on Sky Sports News this morning.
"A decision by our production team was made to take Jermaine off the programme before its conclusion because his performance on-air failed to meet our production standards."
Pennant had been discussing Man Utd's interest in Birmingham's Jude Bellingham, and urged the youngster to turn down a move to Old Trafford.
"My advice to him would be to stay at Birmingham for another season, or at least for the rest of this season," Pennant said. "Continue playing, keep playing first-team football, demanding football and it will do wonders for his career moving forward."
