Derby County midfielder Stephen Pearson is winning plenty of admirers with his performances this season.

"I watched the latest game in Paris recently, and I was very impressed with Derby's Stephen Pearson," said Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger. "I was also impressed by him when he played against Newcastle."

Derby manager Billy Davies is pleased with Pearson.

"He is top class," said Davies.

"It seems every time we come from an away game now the opposition manager has made comments about his performances.

"He is a great asset. A young lad, he has outstanding pace, is a box-to-box midfield player, a modern-day midfield player and he is getting better and better.

"To go to Arsenal and do what he did, to perform the way he performed and show the energy he did, it was great credit to him."