England under-21 manager Stuart Pearce would like to bring Leicester City boss Nigel Pearson back into the international fold.

Pearce has been impressed with the job Pearson has done with City over the last 18 months.

And he has admitted he would be interested in recruiting Pearson to his coaching staff for the European Under-21 Championships in two years time.

Pearson became Pearce's assistant coach in February 2007, for the European Under-21 Championships, and had the honour of leading the side for the 3-3 friendly draw with Italy at Wembley because of Pearce's contractual obligations with Manchester City at the time.

As a result, Pearson became the first Englishman to lead out a team at the new Wembley.

Pearson had previously spent three years as a coach with the FA before leaving to become assistant manager to Bryan Robson at West Bromwich Albion in November, 2004. During that time he coached all of the England youth teams.

Trevor Brooking, FA director of football development, paid tribute to Pearson's efforts at the time, saying: "Nigel made a huge contribution as a youth team coach and was well liked and respected by everyone he worked with."

Now Pearce has said he would be interested in having Pearson's input as he plans for England's challenge for the 2011 European Under-21 Championships in Denmark.

"Nigel is doing a tremendous job at Leicester and is fast becoming one of the top managers to watch outside of the Premier League," said Pearce.

"I've worked with him before and if the opportunity ever arose to get him back in the Under-21s I'd have to say I'd be up for it in principle."

Any approach to utilise Pearson would have to be agreed with Leicester, and Pearson would certainly ensure that if he did answer his country's call it would not impact on the progress he is currently making with City.