Pearson: Albrighton Has Role To Play

A summer signing from Aston Villa, Albrighton’s first team involvement has been limited to seven appearances and just one start so far this season, with Riyad Mahrez and Jeffrey Schlupp nailing down regular wide berths in Pearson’s starting XI.
But on the eve of both Mahrez and Schlupp potentially reporting for international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations, Albrighton gave a timely reminder of his abilities in Saturday’s FA Cup Third Round victory over Newcastle United.
Named among the substitutes for the visit of the Magpies, Albrighton replaced the injured Esteban Cambiasso halfway through the first half and earned the praise of his manager for his display in City’s 1-0 win.
“He’s a player that has to make sure he’s ready for his opportunity and today, coming on early when it was pretty unexpected, I thought he took his opportunity pretty well,” Pearson said post-match.
“It’s never easy when you’ve been out of the side to come in and do what people would like you to do, so credit to him today, I thought he did well.
“I imagine if you spoke to Marc on a personal level he would say it’s been a frustrating time. There have been some weeks where he hasn’t even been in the squad and, for a player with the Premier League experience he has, that can be difficult to deal with.
“But my job is to pick the side that I think is right for any given game.
“On an individual level, he’s had a frustrating start to his career here, but the priority always has to be the team and results. If he plays his part from here on in, helping us get results, then good for him, but he needs to be ready to do that.
“That’s the message to any player – it’s not about individuals, it’s about the group.
“If players can come in and take an opportunity then good for them, but the team always comes first.”