Youngster Stephen Ireland made his international debut for the Republic in midweek and is pushing for a recall.
But Claudio Reyna is available again after two months out with a broken ankle. The American veteran also played in midweek, proving his fitness with a 60-minute run-out in the reserves' 2-0 victory over Bolton.
Darius Vassell sat out last week's 1-0 defeat at Anfield with a hernia problem but will play through the pain barrier until undergoing surgery in the summer.
"We are looking after Darius the best way we can,'' Pearce told the City website.
"He wants to play in every game and we know he can get through until the end of the season.
"But it is important for me to judge the fitness of each individual and get them to the winning post, whilst make sure we can continue to get results."