Pearce to frame debut Irish jersey

Alex Pearce has revealed that he got all his Irish team-mates to sign the jersey he wore when scoring on his senior debut in the 4-1 win against Oman in London on Tuesday.

The 23-year-old Reading centre-half, who was watched at the game In Craven Cottage by members of his family as well as club boss Brian McDermott, described his debut — which came after a late call-up to the squad — as a night he will never forget.

“I got the nod to come on when the whistle blew for half time, we went into the changing room and the assistant manager told me to get warm and that I was coming on in the second half,” he said. “I didn’t have too much time to worry about it. All the family were there and it was great for them to see me score a goal for the Irish, and it was also great for the manager who was there too. I’m sure he would have been proud.

“I’ve kept the shirt that I played in, I got all the lads to sign it and took it home — I’ll get that framed in the house and get it hung up, and keep that forever. It was an historic night for myself. I’ll never ever forget it for the rest of my career.”

And while Pearce is hoping that his Irish appearance is not a one-off, his immediate focus is on Reading’s game against Spurs in the Premier League.

“If another cap comes my way I’ll be delighted,” he said, “but for me now it’s about focusing on Reading on Sunday. Tottenham have a great squad with great depth, they’ve signed some top players — but we’re at home so any team coming to the Madejski will have a tough game.”