Pearson - Spirit is high

Leicester boss in optimistic mood after win over Boro

Last updated: 2nd May 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Pearson - Spirit is high

Pearson: Praises spirit

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Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson says the spirit in the squad is high as the Foxes go into the play-offs on the back of another win.

They beat Middlesbrough 2-0 at the Walkers Stadium thanks to a stunning strike from Yann Kermorgant and a penalty from Richie Wellens.

It was Leicester's fifth straight victory and Pearson was delighted with the win, as well as the return of Matty Fryatt to the bench after injury.

"We've got a good squad ethic and a fabulous spirit," he said.

"We are going into the play-offs in good form and we have got some great players available.

"When Fryatt got injured there were questions if he would be available for the rest of the season. But we set a target for him of being fit for the play-offs.

"He's looked sharp in training and looked good today when he came off the bench."

Leicester will now face Cardiff in the play-off semi-finals and although Pearson respects the Bluebirds, he is confident that his side can get to Wembley.

"Cardiff will be tricky opponents, but I'm sure they will give us respect as well," he added.

"I'm sure both clubs feel they have got enough in their camps to progress."

Boro reaction

For Middlesbrough, meanwhile, it has been a disappointing campaign and they finish the season in 11th.

Brad Jones was shown the red card in the second half, but manager Gordon Strachan said his makeshift back four did well.

"We have got 11 players who could have played today missing and so our back four for today had to be thrown together, and I don't think they did too badly," he said.

Strachan also revealed that the club have been planning for next season for a while now.

He remarked: "Work started for next season a while back. We need to know the character of players, and need to know what their problems are.

"There's a lot of work to do. We need to find players who are durable and make the players here more durable because this is a very tough division."