Pearson anticipating tough run will test Leicester’s character

Following a goalless first half, former Leeds United striker Jermaine Beckford broke the deadlock 10 minutes after the interval before a pair of spectacular strikes from Paul Gallacher ensured a happy homecoming for Pearson.

The 48-year-old left Leicester for Hull City less than 18 months ago but after returning to the King Power Stadium earlier this week, he intends to challenge for promotion this season.

However, Pearson is under no illusions about the size of the task and is refusing to get carried away with their success against the Eagles.

“I think the important thing for the players is that they enjoy themselves,” he said. “It’s not a case of criticising what’s gone before but my immediate job coming into here is to make sure the players play with a freedom in which they enjoy themselves but they’ve also got to know their jobs.

“Hopefully that’s the case but we’ve got a run now where there’s going to be some really tough games and I’m sure our character will be tested on many occasions.

“(It was) good to get off to a positive start but it’s not a case of getting carried away really, we’re still not where we want to be.

“The division being what it is and the stature of the club that we are and the position that we’re in suggests that we need to be in a better position.

“But I don’t suppose I’d be sitting here if we were in a better position.”

Bristol City manager Derek McInnes has not given up hope of keeping Nicky Maynard at the club after the striker’s two goals sank Millwall 2-1 yesterday.

Maynard, who was a target for West Ham and Leicester over the summer, will be out of contract at the end of the season and will be sold in January unless he agrees a new one. But the 24-year-old underlined his importance to City’s revival with a well-taken double at The Den.

McInnes said: “His performance was excellent, he carried a threat all game, and ideally we want to keep him.”