Pearce proud of youth policy

12 April 2012

Stuart Pearce believes Manchester City are the benchmark when it comes to giving young players their head in the Barclays Premiership.

A crop of talented kids have graduated from the academy set-up, led by defender Micah Richards, who won his first England cap this week at 18.

Pearce said: "Young players will be attracted here because so many have come through the academy system to the first team. There must be at least 20 players who have broken through. There are not too many clubs in the Premier League who can boast those numbers."

City are aiming to maintain their remarkable defensive record at home in the league against Fulham on Saturday.

They have yet to concede a goal in six games and Pearce said: "You would take that statistic any day."

Trevor Sinclair (knee) and DeMarcus Beasley (ankle) are doubtful for the match while Sun Jihai is sidelined with a hamstring injury.

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