Pearce made another loan move on 31 January 2008, this time joining Championship side Norwich City until the end of the 2007–08 season. Upon his return to Reading he scored his first goal for them in a League Cup win over Luton Town on 26 August 2008. He then went on loan to Southampton on 31 October 2008 until the end of December. He made his debut at Preston North End on 1 November, scoring Southampton's first goal as they came from 2–0 down to claim a 3–2 victory.