Nigel Pearson praises Leicester City strikers for filling void

Nigel Pearson has praised his strikers for filling the void following the loss of top scorer Matty Fryatt.

The Leicester City boss said the absence of Fryatt, who is still recovering from surgery after breaking his jaw in two places against Doncaster Rovers just over three weeks ago, was initially a big concern.

City had the option of recruiting another striker on loan to cover for Fryatt but the form of his other strikers has reduced Pearson's need to find a replacement.

Martyn Waghorn has taken on the responsibility of leading the attack and the 20-year-old has scored vital goals at Rovers in the return game, and in the 5-1 thumping of Scunthorpe United, while Paul Gallagher has hit top form and has scored four in City's last two home games.

Lloyd Dyer has also been on the scoresheet with a late equaliser at Bristol City, while Dany N'Guessan has impressed in City's successful three-pronged attack.

Pearson is still hopeful of having Fryatt back before the end of the season but said he has full confidence in his strikers to score the goals in the meantime.

"I think all the players have responded to what was a very difficult situation," said Pearson.

"Matt is a player we will miss because he has scored 12 goals for us this season. That is quite a big void for us to fill.

"What I would say is the players have all worked tremendously hard, and since Martyn has been up there he has done a very good job. I think he has taken his opportunity.

"Lloyd has come back into the side and has played very well, and Paul is getting better and better.

"It is not always easy to fill somebody's boots but the players are working very hard."

Equally impressive in recent weeks has been the defence. City have kept four clean sheets during their run of eight games without defeat and that has provided a solid platform for City's rise into the top five.

While Pearson is quick to share the praise evenly among his back four of Michael Morrison, Jack Hobbs, Wayne Brown and Bruno Berner, plus goalkeeper Chris Weale, Hobbs has been particularly eye-catching in recent weeks.

"He is somebody who I have no doubt can play in the Premier League," said Pearson.

"Jack has shown a steady development. He is a great personality.

"He is a very reliable person as well as a player. He is getting better, there is no doubt about that. His performances have consistently been of a high standard.

"This is his second full season and he has done ever so well for us, and I think he has benefited from playing alongside a very experienced centre back in Wayne. That is always an important factor.

"I have always had confidence in my players. The players have always worked tremendously hard and I have never doubted their commitment to what we are trying to achieve.

"Win, lose or draw, I have faith in this group of players."