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Tony Gale says he welcomes the return of Ian Pearce to the side on Saturday - and says it will be a tactical battle against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.
"I think Ian is the strongest and quickest centre back on the books," says Tony, "and he is one of the quicker players over 30 yards so you can afford to hold a high line when he plays.
"He is a shy lad but a good player. I think he has been a bit frustrated that he hasn't got in the side, but for me Pearcey has to be the number one choice, and then you go from there.
"We have still got some talent but we keep shooting ourselves in the foot defensively, as Glenn says.
"Mistakes have been made, whichever two have played together in central defence; we have seen different combinations with Christian and Tomas starting out as they did last year and then Gary Breen coming in.
"He needs time to settle, after coming to the club in the summer."
Looking at the Sunderland game, and the appointment of Howard Wilkinson, he adds: "I think it was the wrong move and I don't think the fans are sure about Howard.
"I suspect he will play 4-3-3 and if we are against three strikers it is a question of nullifying them - but if we knock it around we will beat them.
"If things are looking a little bit direct they will think it is like the old days of knocking the ball up to Quinny - we will see."
As for Glenn's situation, he adds: "I think he knows everyone at the club is behind him."
Tony insists David James must be given his head in the England side now and says: "We have conceded 16 goals and we have a goalkeeper who is playing well. I think sometimes international managers look at where you are in the table - and if David James played for Arsenal he would be playing now.
"But I think he needs to get him in so he can get that experience for 2004, because it is a long term thing."
And, with all the attention surrounding the Boys of '86 this week, with the signing of a framed print commemorating Tony and his team mates' exploits, he says: "Looking at the pitch in Slovakia where England played made me think it was like the pitches we played on.
"Would the team of '86 beat the current one? I don't think you can compare eras.
"But there would be some great duels out there - and it would be a lovely game, to watch, that is for sure."
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