Manchester City goalkeeper David James believes Stuart Pearce deserves special praise for showing faith in young full-backs Nedum Onuoha and Stephen Jordan.
The Academy graduates, who are keeping Ben Thatcher and Danny Mills on the sidelines, impressed once again in City's goalless draw against
Blackburn on Saturday.
James told the club's official website: "Credit to the gaffer, he has had the strength of mind to keep them in the side.
"It would have been easy for him to say 'well done lads, you've had a couple of decent matches now step aside' especially with two international defenders on the bench.
"But he has kept them in there and the more they play and the more clean sheets they help protect then the greater their confidence.
"That will lead to more healthy competition within the squad and can only be to the benefit of Manchester City. All teams need that edge if they are to progress."
