Isaksson going nowhere: Pearce

Stuart Pearce insists Swedish World Cup star Andreas Isaksson will see out his contract with Manchester City despite not starting a single first-team game for the Blues so far this season.

Much was expected of the 25-year-old following his £2m (€3m) arrival from Rennes in the summer.

An ever-present during Sweden’s World Cup campaign, Isaksson was tipped to establish himself as Pearce’s number one goalkeeper, only to have his hopes dashed first by a broken foot in his first week of training with City, then knee ligament damage.

Although Isaksson did finally make the bench for the home draw with Watford at the beginning of December, and then made his senior debut as a substitute the following week at Manchester United, the form of Nicky Weaver has kept the former Juventus man on the sidelines.

With his international future in jeopardy, there have been suggestions Isaksson may quit Eastlands at the end of the current campaign.

However, Pearce has no intention of letting the player leave and remains confident Isaksson will eventually prove his worth with the Blues.

“Andreas is not leaving this club,” he said.

“He is staying for the duration of his contract and, by that point, I am sure that he will have proved what quality I brought to the Premiership when I signed him. He is too good a goalkeeper not to. When he first came and joined us in the summer the training was a bit tougher than he was used to. But now the goalkeeping coach comes to me every day and says ’he is ready’. He has been telling me that for two or three months.”

Pearce has had a number of chats with Isaksson in an effort to reassure him about his future, although so far Weaver’s form has made it impossible for the Swede to get a place in the City side.

Although Weaver was at fault for the goal City conceded in their FA Cup win over Southampton yesterday, it was an isolated error and it seems certain the former England Under-21 star will keep his spot for next Saturday’s Premiership encounter with Reading.

“The only reason Andreas is not playing is Nicky’s form,” outlined Pearce.

“I keep speaking with Andreas and tell him to be patient because his performances in training and reserve games have been outstanding.”

Rather than letting players leave, Pearce is more concerned about bringing them in. The City chief is believed to be on the verge of capturing at least two players, one of which is certain to be a striker.

Tottenham’s Egyptian international Mido is thought to head Pearce’s list of targets although, with the transfer window due to slam shut on Wednesday, the Blues do not have much time to seal a deal.

“We are still working hard within the transfer window and will continue to do so right up until it closes,” said Pearce.

“It is not proving easy but I have the nucleus of a very good side with some good young players, so the inclusion of a couple of new faces would not hurt.”

Meanwhile, it has been confirmed former England international Trevor Sinclair, who missed the Southampton win through suspension, has picked up a groin problem and could be out for a fortnight.