Aleksandar Tunchev feels the return of manager Nigel Pearson has handed him a second chance to prove himself at Leicester.
Leicester stopper hoping to re-establish himself under Pearson
Aleksandar Tunchev feels the return of manager Nigel Pearson has handed him a second chance to prove himself at Leicester.
After struggling with knee injuries suffered in an FA Cup tie against Crystal Palace in 2009, Tunchev failed to win back a first-team spot under former boss Sven Goran Eriksson and was loaned out to Palace for three months earlier this season.
Pearson, who originally signed the Bulgarian defender from CSKA Sofia four years ago, returned for a second stint with the Foxes in November.
Tunchev has already started two games under the boss this year, playing a key role in shutting out Nottingham Forest in Saturday's goalless FA Cup draw.
The 30-year-old, who admits he feared for his career with the Foxes after being loaned out to Palace, hopes the manager's return will put him back in the frame.
Chance
Tunchev, who penned a one-year deal at the King Power Stadium under Eriksson last summer, said: "I had a time when I didn't think I'd play for Leicester again and I'd be going away. But now the gaffer is back, I believe I have more chances.
"It's hard for me because I want to put my injuries behind me after all that's happened.
"That was a special game for me, it was my first 90 minutes in a long time for Leicester.
"I'm having to prove myself again, it was a very difficult time for me. I didn't know what was going to happen.
"I was at Palace but my last game was in October. Now the gaffer is back, he gives me more belief I can do my job, because I need this."
