Pearce thrilled for debutants

Last updated : 03 March 2006 By Ben Collins

Samaras had the biggest impact, scoring on his debut for Greece against Belarus and following it up with another goal against Kazakhstan a day later.

George getting a couple of goals for his country does not surprise me, and it will give him a big lift," Pearce told the City website.

"He's a confident kid, he'll get goals and he will be a good player in the future at both club and international level. I still feel with him that there's a great deal to learn about professional football, but there's a commodity there that's going to get better and better."

New Republic of Ireland coach Steve Staunton enjoyed a 3-0 victory over Sweden in his first game in charge and brought on midfielder Ireland for former City player Stephen Elliott in the second half.

"If I was a young player and was part of a new manager's first squad, I'd be absolutely delighted," added the City boss.

"Stevie Ireland's come back as an international player now, not just a City player, and that will give him a lot of confidence.

"He might have a long-term future for the side, I personally think that he will and that he will be a very good player. Maybe the hardest thing for him to do now will be to break into the Manchester City side on a permanent basis."