Pearce backs Shaun

STUART Pearce believes Shaun Wright Phillips will be a star player for England ahead of the World Cup qualifier against Wales.

Speaking at the launch of National Pub Football Week the City boss also said Wright Phillips should have been played more often for England.

"I think Beckham is doing okay but if I'm being honest I'd probably say Shaun should have been given his head some time back," said Pearce.

"Eriksson has taken criticism for sticking by one or two and that has probably held Shaun back in some ways - certainly in the eyes of the fans at Manchester City.”

Pearce is backing the pub football event which kicks off today across the UK as all the home nations battle for a place in the 2006 World Cup in the next round of qualifiers.