Pearce hopeful over Richards

Manchester City manager Stuart Pearce remains hopeful of encouraging news regarding full-back Micah Richards, who was carried off during England's win over Andorra.

Richards, who has been suffering from a calf complaint which may require surgery in the summer, went off with a serious-looking injury and was due to have scans on Thursday with Pearce keen to find out the outcome of medical tests.

Pearce, who said he understood Richards had not broken any bones, said: "Obviously we have concerns about his calf problem but the bottom line is that it is a great honour for him and this football club that he represents his country."

He added: "We will monitor his situation up to the summer. He has had an ongoing problem for a number of months with cramping in the calves, and if we need to address that we will do."