Ferguson protecting Welbeck

Stuart Pearce has confirmed Sir Alex Ferguson requested that Danny Welbeck would not play for the England under-21s on Monday.

The Manchester United striker played 14 minutes for the senior side on Friday as England ensured qualification to Euro 2012 with a 2-2 draw against Montenegro.

Considering Welbeck's lack of action in Podgorica, Pearce had been keen to draft the 20-year-old into his squad for the under-21 European Championship qualifier against Norway.

However, after speaking with Ferguson, Pearce has respected the wishes of the United boss, and Welbeck will be given the chance to recuperate.

"I spoke to Alex straight after the game [against Montenegro]," said the under-21 boss.

"I think it was important that we got the game out of the way, the senior game, to find out who contributed within the game.




 

"I spoke with Alex and he had concerns about travelling from Montenegro and then getting on planes and coming to Oslo and I quite understood that, to be fair.

"I had to make the call because we have only got one striker in the squad so we had a decent chat.

"I thanked him for his help and consideration and we moved on from there and I quite understood his position."