Pearce is ready for the last time

"It will be a chapter for the book" joked veteran defender Stuart Pearce as he reflected on a memorable start to the new season.

Pearce is back in the England squad after a two year absence for the 37 year old who has every chance of starting England's crucial Euro 2000 tie against Luxembourg at Wembley on Saturday afternoon.

"When Kevin Keegan said he might select me in the squad I did have to remind him that I had retired on two occasions. I don't know whether he was aware of that or not. It's come as a bolt from the blue really more than anything so I just went home and had a chat to my wife."

"I thought I might be wanted for a testimonial game and I thought he wanted me to help out."

"At first I couldn't believe that I was being asked to come back again."

"I knew what my decision would be. At my stage of life you have got nothing to lose by coming and meeting up. It's an honour to be involved at this stage again."

"Two months ago I didn't think I would be playing professional football again. I couldn't see where my next game was coming from. I hadn't played for Newcastle since December 28th so it's been quite a lay-off for me. I have kept myself quite fit."

Pearce's career was assved by UEFA Cup challengers West Ham United who offered the defender a year's contract to return to his native London after a miserable last six months with Newcastle.

Pearce has given up a position in the England hierarchy to play again for the national side.

"I am coach of the England under-18s. I was asked to get involved and I enjoyed it. There was never any doubt about putting that aside to do this."

"There have been one or two injuries that have given me the chance to come here and meet up. If it's a one or two game situation so be it. I will give it my best shot."

The former Nottingham Forest star was philosophical about his last days with Newcastle.

"I was told that I would never play again. I though I had more to offer the club but I suppose every footballer does that's not in the team. maybe when you are 36 or 37 years old it's a little bit easier to take than if I was 28 years old. Ruud Gullit told me I was too old to play and that was the situation. There was no animosity. The club were quite flexible with me, giving me options to play in the reserves, whichever I pleased. If I wanted I could play in the reserves and if I didn't no-one was bothered. But I played for the reserves. I enjoy playing football at whatever level it may be. If nothing happened by when this season started I would have coached at Newcastle's Academy. I am halfway through my coaching badge."

Pearce was asked if he thought he was too old to play: "Obviously not or I wouldn't be here now."

"I asked Harry Redknapp and he took me on. He sees me for all the things he sees me for; I am what I am and what you see is what you get. If he thinks that will help West Ham all well and good. I'm just pleased that he took the gamble to take me down there. The majority of teams would say I am not taking that gamble he is too old. He was looking at one or two other players and then (Slaven) Bilic failed his medical and I think that left the door open for me. I'm in now and fighting for my place in the team."

"I'm just pleased to be there. When you know you haven't got much time on your hands as a player you do savour the moments. I have nicked a couple of extra years at this end of my career rather than at the start."

Pearce is notorious among team mates for preparing for games with loud punk rock music hammering away in the dressing room and he has a large record collection.

"My routine hasn't changed for 15 years. I am very set in my ways, in my time-keeping for match days or whatever. When I go to a new club I keep my head down for a bit. I'm in that process at West Ham at the moment. The music in the dressing room is an absolute shambles to be honest with you. There's a power struggle musically.

Asked if he was still a fan of the 1970s punk rockers Sex Pistols, Pearce said: "Without a doubt."

The veteran has been surprised by England's patchy form in the Euro 2000 qualifying rounds.

"I have been surprised because I think we have got a good squad of players here. You have got Michael Owen and David Beckham - the champions of Europe come from this country at the moment. It has surprised me a little bit."