Pearce hails hard-working Thatcher

Manchester City manager Stuart Pearce believes the return of bad-boy Ben Thatcher has been one of the major factors behind the Blues' recent revival.

Thatcher was forced to serve an eight-match ban earlier in the campaign for a disgraceful assault on Portsmouth's Pedro Mendes which enraged Harry Redknapp so much he called for the former Wales full-back to be drummed out of the game altogether.

"I have been really impressed with Ben Thatcher," admitted Pearce. "His performances have been fantastic and he really has given the team a big lift."

The former Tottenham man got his head down in training, kept himself fit and, as Pearce's side struggled for consistency, returned to senior action in the win over Middlesbrough at the end of October.

He has retained his place ever since, contributing to a run which has seen the Eastlands outfit pick up 10 points from their last six matches, and will see them close to within a three points of third-placed Arsenal if they overcome relegation-threatened Watford on home soil this evening.

Pearce added: "It was always going to be extremely difficult for him being out of the side for that length of time.

"He had to try and keep himself fit and focused but he also knew that when he returned from his suspension, the outside world would be waiting for him to slip up.

"Everyone within the club wants Ben to do extremely well because of the type of man he is."