Nigel Pearson insists Leicester City are fully focused on their FA Cup tie with Aston Villa

Leicester manager Nigel Pearson insists his team are fully focused on their FA Cup tie with Aston Villa and will not let any off-field problems distract them.

City are currently rock bottom of the Premier League and defeat at Arsenal last Tuesday condemned them to their fourth straight league defeat.

However, the FA Cup has seen Leicester in top form, having come from behind to beat Tottenham 2-1 at White Hart Lane in the last round to book their trip to Villa Park.

Pearson has been under intense pressure in the last week. Reports emerged last Sunday that he had been sacked by the club, following his touchline clash with Crystal Palace’s James McArthur, but a few hours later he was reinstated.

It’s important for the players that they approach this in a positive manner, and block out everything else

Aston Villa too are having managerial problems with Paul Lambert was sacked on Wednesday after a defeat at Hull dropped them into the relegation zone.

But Pearson is keen for his players to remain fully focused on the job in hand this weekend insisting Villa will still prove a tough obstacle to the quarter-finals.

“It’s important for the players that they approach this in a positive manner, and block out everything else,” he said.

“I’m working hard to make sure we’re as prepared as we can be for this game. I’m focused on the team.

“When you’re not winning in the league, cup competitions give you the chance to win games and build confidence. The players have my full support, but they need to perform themselves. They have a responsibility to do so.

“We want to progress in the FA Cup, but I’m sure Aston Villa will have something to say about that.”

Pearson is hopeful that Matthew Upson will be available for selection after he went off against Arsenal, while central defender Robert Huth misses out having played for Stoke in an earlier round of the competition.