How people can call N Pearson's team selection given the quality he's brought in and position he's got us to is lost on me, and seemingly wasted on him.
http://www.thisishullandeastriding.co.uk/sport/HULL-CITY-Harper-valued-players-says-Pearson/article-3351846-detail/article.html
Harper is valued by me and the players, says Pearson
NIGEL Pearson has given his full backing to James Harper by insisting the under-fire midfielder will continue to play a key role in Hull City's promotion push.
Harper was singled out for criticism by an unforgiving KC Stadium crowd after enduring a difficult afternoon in the Tigers' 1-1 draw with Norwich on Saturday.
A glaring first-half miss was the low point for the 30-year-old before his eventual substitution on the hour mark was greeted by ironic cheers from a section of City fans.
It was tough on a player whose 21 league starts for the club have brought just four defeats but Pearson has vowed to keep faith in Harper and not bow to crowd pressure.
Stay one step ahead of the weather
"I know there's a debate but whatever people think of him, he's valued by me as the manager and the players," said Pearson.
"The only way to get around it is to win people back.
"The reaction from the fans will not stop me from picking him if I think he's right for the team.
"Unfortunately for him, he's missed a good chance. Does that have an effect on things? I don't know. My job is to pick the side that's best to win a game.
"James Harper has been a massive part for us to get back into a competitive place in the league so regardless of whatever other people think, that's my opinion."
Eight games remain for Pearson to mastermind a late rally after a 14th draw of the season left the Tigers four points adrift of the Championship play-offs.
The deficit has never been smaller in 2011 but having seen play-off rivals Leeds, Nottingham Forest, Burnley, Watford and Leicester all lose on Saturday, the City boss admitted a draw with Norwich was frustrating.
"It's very tight," said Pearson as just three points split seven teams in behind the play-off places.
"The disappointment of not winning the game is slightly tempered by getting closer.
"It's the pressure time of the season and there's going to be a few twists and turns.
"On this occasion results have gone for us, on other weeks they won't.
"But regardless of what the perception is outside of the four walls that we work in, we have to keep our focus on what we do."
City were grateful to substitute Nick Barmby as they cancelled out a deficit for just the fifth time this season to deny Norwich all three points.
Pearson, who once had Barmby as a team-mate at Middlesbrough in the mid-nineties, again paid tribute to the playmaker's longevity.
"He has an impact and whenever players are able to do that, age doesn't really matter," he added.
"He's a fit lad physically and mentally he's as hungry as anybody. That speaks volumes for him."
City enjoy a two-week break before they host Millwall on April 2 and they will hope to see Liam Rosenior back to full fitness.
The in-form right-back was forced off with a damaged right shoulder late in Saturday's game and Pearson hopes it will not be a serious concern.
"It looks as though it could be a bit of a shoulder problem," he added.
"I don't know if it's concerns about a break or a dislocation. We'll have a look at that but hopefully it won't be too bad."
http://www.thisishullandeastriding.co.uk/sport/HULL-CITY-Harper-valued-players-says-Pearson/article-3351846-detail/article.html
Harper is valued by me and the players, says Pearson
NIGEL Pearson has given his full backing to James Harper by insisting the under-fire midfielder will continue to play a key role in Hull City's promotion push.
Harper was singled out for criticism by an unforgiving KC Stadium crowd after enduring a difficult afternoon in the Tigers' 1-1 draw with Norwich on Saturday.
A glaring first-half miss was the low point for the 30-year-old before his eventual substitution on the hour mark was greeted by ironic cheers from a section of City fans.
It was tough on a player whose 21 league starts for the club have brought just four defeats but Pearson has vowed to keep faith in Harper and not bow to crowd pressure.
Stay one step ahead of the weather
"I know there's a debate but whatever people think of him, he's valued by me as the manager and the players," said Pearson.
"The only way to get around it is to win people back.
"The reaction from the fans will not stop me from picking him if I think he's right for the team.
"Unfortunately for him, he's missed a good chance. Does that have an effect on things? I don't know. My job is to pick the side that's best to win a game.
"James Harper has been a massive part for us to get back into a competitive place in the league so regardless of whatever other people think, that's my opinion."
Eight games remain for Pearson to mastermind a late rally after a 14th draw of the season left the Tigers four points adrift of the Championship play-offs.
The deficit has never been smaller in 2011 but having seen play-off rivals Leeds, Nottingham Forest, Burnley, Watford and Leicester all lose on Saturday, the City boss admitted a draw with Norwich was frustrating.
"It's very tight," said Pearson as just three points split seven teams in behind the play-off places.
"The disappointment of not winning the game is slightly tempered by getting closer.
"It's the pressure time of the season and there's going to be a few twists and turns.
"On this occasion results have gone for us, on other weeks they won't.
"But regardless of what the perception is outside of the four walls that we work in, we have to keep our focus on what we do."
City were grateful to substitute Nick Barmby as they cancelled out a deficit for just the fifth time this season to deny Norwich all three points.
Pearson, who once had Barmby as a team-mate at Middlesbrough in the mid-nineties, again paid tribute to the playmaker's longevity.
"He has an impact and whenever players are able to do that, age doesn't really matter," he added.
"He's a fit lad physically and mentally he's as hungry as anybody. That speaks volumes for him."
City enjoy a two-week break before they host Millwall on April 2 and they will hope to see Liam Rosenior back to full fitness.
The in-form right-back was forced off with a damaged right shoulder late in Saturday's game and Pearson hopes it will not be a serious concern.
"It looks as though it could be a bit of a shoulder problem," he added.
"I don't know if it's concerns about a break or a dislocation. We'll have a look at that but hopefully it won't be too bad."
