Pearce worried by Richards' fitness

Richards has been called into the England squad for the European Championship clashes against Israel and Andorra, but Pearce has admitted the 18-year-old is in need of a rest.

Pearce said: "Micah is learning the game very quickly, but he is very tired as he has played nearly every game.

"Micah has to stay in my team, however, as he is one of my better players.

"Sometimes as a kid you get thrown in and you have to play through it.

Pearce could be tempted to field an unchanged side against Middlesbrough on Saturday.

Goalkeeper Andreas Isaksson is set to retain his place while Emile Mpenza could again operate as a lone striker.

City are looking for the Belgium international to turn things around as they have scored only 20 goals in 28 league games.

Dietmar Hamann told the club's website: "We have to make sure we support our frontmen and wingers.

"We didn't expect or want to be where we are now but that's the way it goes. We know if we perform as we did against Chelsea then we should be okay."

By RivalsDM.
Source: msn.foxsports.com