Pearce Signs For City On Loan

The 27-year-old, who stands at 6ft 2ins, will join up with the squad for Saturday’s Sky Bet Championship match at Leeds United.

A Republic of Ireland international with six caps and two goals to his name, Pearce harbours hopes of playing a part for his country at Euro 2016 in France this summer.

A product of Reading’s youth Academy, Pearce went on to play more than 200 times for the Royals, as well as enjoying loan moves to Northampton Town, Bournemouth, Norwich City and Southampton to aid his development.

At the conclusion of his Reading contract in the summer, Pearce opted to join Derby on a free transfer.

However, first-team chances have been few and far between at the iPro Stadium, with Derby honing in on the automatic promotion spots. Subsequently Pearce’s only outings of the season have come in the FA Cup and Capital One Cup.

Pearce was born in Oxfordshire and has Scottish parents. He represented the Tartan Army internationally at youth level, but opted to switch allegiance to Ireland in 2012 and enjoyed a dream debut, scoring in a 4-1 win over Oman.

Now the central defender will be hoping his loan move to Ashton Gate will provide him with regular first-team football and strengthen his international claims for the summer tournament.

Pearce has been handed squad number 16. He cannot face his parent club Derby when they visit Ashton Gate on April 19^th.