City's Nigel Pearson full of praise for Paul Gallagher

Nigel Pearson believes Paul Gallagher has answered his critics by winning the Championship player of the month award.

The Leicester City boss, who was also named the Championship manager of the month, said the striker was a worthy recipient for his recent match-winning performances.

Gallagher took time to settle after his arrival from Blackburn Rovers and had struggled to cement his place in Pearson's starting line-up.

However, February was the month when the 25-year-old proved his worth, not only by scoring four goals in the last two home games, but by providing some superb service for his team-mates.

Now Pearson hopes Gallagher can continue his form and spearhead City's play-off push in the absence of injured top scorer Matty Fryatt.

"I am delighted for Paul," he said. "He has had a bit of criticism but he has come a long way and will be a good player for us over a long period of time.

"I am pleased for him because, after Matty got injured, it put a bit more pressure on the players. Paul, like the rest of them, has responded in the right manner. He has done well."

Gallagher has been something of a enigma this season, showing his quality in spells while struggling to settle into one particular role within the team.

However, his good form has coincided with City's switch to a more attacking 4-3-3 system and Pearson believes the Scotland international is now finally settled. And he believes the reason he has his critics is because he is brave enough to take responsibility in games and risk making mistakes.

"The system has probably helped," he said. "He has played in a number of positions now. He is currently playing wide right so it is not massively different from before.

"He works hard for the team. Even when we have not been at our best he always wants the ball and he is visible because he is always available.

"Sometimes those types of player will appear to make more mistakes but that is because they are always available. He may have had to win a few people round, but I think he has done that now."