Manchester City manager Stuart Pearce is adamant on the future of Sylvain Distin.
Manchester City manager Stuart Pearce remains adamant in his determination to retain Sylvain Distin.
Despite having 18 months of his existing contract still to run, captain Distin is currently in talks with City's paymasters regarding a deal extension and Pearce hopes discussions can soon come to a successful conclusion.
The French centre half has played a pivotal role in City's fine first half to the season and Pearce, who knows more than a thing or two about the art of defending himself, believes it would be in everyone's best interests if Distin remained at Eastlands.
"We want Sylvain here," confirmed Pearce to Sky Sports News.
"I think he wants to be at this football club, there's no real rush on that but it would be right for Sylvain and the club.
"He's a good individual and a good player and captain of the club."
Meanwhile, Pearce revealed that forgotten striker Robbie Fowler is now fit and ready to compete for a first team place despite speculation to the contrary.
Injury and the form of summer signings Andy Cole and Darius Vassell have seen Fowler restricted to a solitary appearance as a substitute this season but Pearce is becoming increasingly irritated by speculation surrounding the Liverpudlian's status.
"He's been unavailable for the last two or three weeks," continued Pearce.
"Rob's the same as anyone else, he's available for selection - we're not saying he's unfit.
"He's been unfit for the last few weeks but now he's fit and available.
"He's rolling his sleeves up and fighting for a place in the team."
Pearce also admitted that he has been impressed by the former Leeds striker's application but concedes that he is still down the pecking order.
"Robbie's doing okay to be fair to him, at the moment the people in front of him are doing well," added Pearce.
"Every week I have to answer a question on Robbie when I have 20-odd players who are in the same position as Robbie but I don't have to answer questions on them for some reason."
