Pearson remains grounded

Pearson: Not getting carried away

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Leicester boss Nigel Pearson insists that his side still have a lot of work to do if they are to secure a play-off spot at the end of the season.

The Foxes' win against Cardiff puts them five points ahead of the Welsh side and gives them a seven-point cushion against seventh-placed Blackpool.

But the 46-year-old manager says it is still too early to start taking points cushions into account.

"I'm not going to spend much time looking at it. It can be dangerous to try and second-guess what can happen," he said

"We have a tough game on Tuesday at Crystal Palace, who but for their points reduction would have been involved in the play-offs themselves.

"Things can change very quickly if you let your eye off the ball.

"There are still 10 or 12 teams with a chance of reaching the play-offs. It's going to be very tight until the end of the season."

On-loan Sunderland striker Martyn Waghorn scored the only goal of the game in the 29th minute after reacting sharply to an Andy king flick-on.

Control

Despite the Bluebirds having chances to level the score, Pearson believes that his side deserved the three points on the balance of play.

He added: "It was a good win for us. I thought we played very well and were in control for the majority of the game.

"I know it was only 1-0 but I thought we were really comfortable. We played some good football and were very disciplined.

"We had to be at our best today because Cardiff are a very good side."

After watching his team slump to their fourth defeat in five games, Cardiff manager Dave Jones remained optimistic.

The former Southampton boss is confident that his side will see a turn around in fortunes once some key players get back to full fitness.

"Every defeat is disappointing but now I can see light at the end of the tunnel," Jones said.

"We are now getting back players like Stephen McPhail and Peter Whittingham, who are both very creative and high quality players.

"When they are all back, watch us go.

"Once we get our sharpness back we'll fly. I can see it coming but it might take a little time."

Jones conceded that Cardiff's financial problems have had a knock-on effect on the pitch.

He added: "It means you can't bring players in when you are down to the bare bones."