Pearce backs no-show Thatcher for Wales

Manchester City manager Stuart Pearce attends a press conference in May 2005. Pearce came to the defence of defender Ben Thatcher by inisting he has an international future despite pulling out of Wales' World Cup squad.

Manchester City manager Stuart Pearce came to the defence of defender Ben Thatcher by inisting he has an international future despite pulling out of Wales' World Cup squad.

The 29-year-old had a falling out with Welsh boss John Toshack and "made himself unavailable" for the last two World Cup qualifiers against Northern Ireland and Azerbaijan next week.

"I know Ben has been playing through the pain barrier for us," revealed Pearce who claimed Thatcher has an ankle injury.

"There are a lot of times where I would rather he was not out on the training pitch and resting a little bit.

"His nature is he wants to train and play all the time. I know he has a problem. He has been sitting out most of the week with an ankle injury but he will be desperate to get himself on the pitch.

"When I talk to Ben, I don't question his commitment to Wales."

However, Toshack, whose side have no chance of making the 2006 World Cup finals, is furious with the City player.

"Ten days before the Poland game he said he was injured yet afterwards he played for Manchester City yet again," said Toshack.

"How can he not train for Wales for one minute yet play for Manchester City, having pulled out for the Poland match?"