"I think he did well enough in the game to suggest that he should be in the next squad," he told the City website.
"He's fairly strong mentality, which I feel in the modern game you have to be. Normally you'll find most international squads filled with players that are mentality strong and he's shown that every time he's made a step forward for us.
"We're very pleased for him," Pearce added. "Hopefully, he'll be around at our football club and can lead the next generation of youngsters."