Nigel Pearson heaps praise on Leicester City's Paul Gallagher

Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson believes Paul Gallagher is starting to show the Blue Army his true potential.

The striker has been used in a variety of positions this season, and Pearson gave him a new role in midfield at Blackpool on Saturday when he excelled in the 2-1 win.

Gallagher was superb in his deep position and pulled the strings for City, who gained their first victory in six matches. The three points also put City back in the play-off positions.

The former Blackburn player produced some exceptional passing, and Pearson was full of praise for his versatile player.

"Even during our difficult spell of late he has been a major plus for us," said Pearson.

"You have to remember he is a striker, and he has played out wide in a 4-4-2, he has played as a wide striker in a 4-3-3 and he has played central midfield (against Blackpool). You can see from that he just wants to play.

"He is probably best as a withdrawn striker. The fans have certainly not seen him at his best in terms of scoring goals.

"But I am pleased with him and I am delighted to have him. I am sure he will continue to be an important player for us."

Dany N'Guessan was included as a replacement for the suspended Richie Wellens, and he also earned his manager's praise by scoring the opening goal and providing several chances for his team-mates with teasing crosses.

"He looked a threat all afternoon," said Pearson. "He was very tired at the end because he had worked so hard.

"Pace and power is what the modern game is all about and he has got those qualities in abundance."

City survived a scare at the end when Tangerines captain Charlie Adam went down under an N'Guessan challenge, but referee Andy Haines waved away the home side's strong appeals.

After having good claims for penalties dismissed in the previous three games, Pearson said his side were due the benefit of an official's decision.

"We needed to get back to winning ways and, if we had a bit of good fortune at the end, we were certainly due it," he said.

"We have had some absolutely horrendous decisions go against us so, if we had a little bit of good fortune, fine.

"We have had enough chances to win, and so have they. I have spoken about the fact we haven't scored enough goals so it is nice that we have won.

"It would have been even better if we had kept a clean sheet, which we are all annoyed about. It would have been nice to convert more of our chances."