Wright-Phillips challenged to be more consistent
Rising star Bradley Wright-Phillips must become more consistent if he is to secure a regular place in Manchester City’s starting line-up.
The 20-year-old forward, half-brother of departed England international Shaun, enhanced his glowing reputation with a smartly-taken volley in Saturday’s comfortable 4-1 Premiership win over Birmingham.
It was the youngster’s second top-flight strike, and his first in nine substitute appearances this term.
The effort proved Wright-Phillips is capable of repeating his free-scoring ways at reserve team level in senior combat, although, with Andy Cole due to return from suspension for the St Stephen's Day encounter at Wigan, it seems unlikely to earn him a first Premiership start.
Pearce acknowledged Wright-Phillips had been close to nudging Antoine Sibierski out of his line-up to face Steve Bruce’s ailing Blues.
But, while the City boss rates the London-born front-man highly, he feels Wright-Phillips’ all-round game needs to improve if he is to fulfil his early promise.
“Bradley’s finishing is extremely good and the goal he scored on Saturday proved it,” said Pearce.
“But he needs to be a touch more consistent over 90 minutes.
“He needs to be a bit cuter with his runs and hold-up play but I am sure he will continue to improve.”
As Pearce observes, Wright-Phillips could not have a better array of strikers to learn from on the City training ground.
In Cole and Robbie Fowler, the Blues have two of the top three all-time Premiership goalscorers in their midst, while Darius Vassell has appeared in two major tournaments for England and Sibierski is capable of combining the striking role with midfield duties.
“The number of tutors around Bradley are second to none,” said Pearce.
“I asked him the other day why he thought we bought Andy Cole. I want Bradley to learn from him, and the other guys. Thankfully, that is what he is doing.”
Wright-Phillips was joined on the bench by Fowler, whose introduction as a second-half substitute was only the veteran striker’s second senior appearance of the campaign.
City have already snubbed one move from Ipswich to secure Fowler’s services on loan and although new Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp has distanced himself from a move for the 30-year-old, there is still a chance he could leave Eastlands during the January transfer window.
Given his poor recent fitness record and relative lack of involvement in first-team action, Fowler knows there is virtually no chance of his lucrative contract being extended beyond the summer, while Pearce has already indicated a willingness to reinforce his striking options next month.
Meanwhile, City face competition from Borussia Dortmund for midfielder Steven Pienaar, although the Bundesliga club deny they have agreed a pre-contract with Ajax.
Dortmund are keen to bolster their midfield ranks with Czech Republic international Tomas Rosicky likely to depart.
However, Dortmund press officer Josef Schneck said: “He is a player who we have been watching for two years now and we have spoken with him but no deal has been done.
“We know he is out of contract in the summer and we are interested in signing him.”
With Pienaar’s current deal in Amsterdam due to expire in June 2006, Ajax may attempt to offload him in the January transfer window for a cut-price fee.
Schneck ruled out a move before the summer, however, adding: “That is not an option for us.”
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