European Under-21 Championship qualifying:Barack Obama has Ted Kennedy as his marquee advocate as the battle for the Democrat primary enters Super Tuesday. Terry Venables, it seems, can count on Stuart Pearce to champion his cause.
England v Republic of Ireland Venue: St Mary's Stadium, Southampton Kick-off: 7.45pm On TV: Sky Sports 1
Venables is in a two-way race of his own for the slightly less important role of national team manager of the Republic of Ireland. Veteran Italian coach Giovanni Trapattoni stands in his way.
Pearce acknowledged yesterday Trapattoni - two year's younger than Republican favourite John McCain - would also make a quality candidate for the Irish job.
The former Manchester City manager is getting used to an experienced Italian boss himself as he will be working alongside Fabio Capello with his country's national side.
But after playing under Venables at Euro 96, current England under-21 team manager Pearce is well aware of the qualities his former boss brings.
"I think the pair of them are top quality managers - that's the bottom line," said Pearce ahead of tonight's qualifier against the Republic of Ireland in Southampton.
"If those two are the two that are in the frame to take Ireland forward then their CVs are top-notch.
"I've worked with Terry so I know exactly what he's all about. We had a reasonably successful side and a good spirit in the camp when Terry was around.
"I'm sure whichever one they plump for they'll have their pluses and minuses. But I think the main key is whichever way the Football Association of Ireland decides to go, I think it's important that everyone gets behind them and gives them their full backing.
"Sometimes that's not always the case. Certain individuals have got their own preferred candidates. But I think that's the most important thing. I believe the FA has that at the moment. Everyone is behind Fabio Capello.
"Now he has been appointed we want him to do the best job he can do because it's in everyone's best interest - and that would be the same in Ireland."
Pearce will be trying to do everything but help the Irish cause in Southampton tonight. Ireland are looking to avenge a 3-0 loss to their greatest rivals in the previous meeting between the sides in Cork in October.
"I watched the England game on TV and I thought the lads played very well when they had the ball. They knocked it about well but collectively they didn't defend well," said Ireland caretaker manager Sean McCaffrey.
"England have a lot of very good players but we're hoping we can keep hold of the ball and cause them problems. I'm not worried about what they have. We've a lot of quality in our squad."
