Leicester City midfielder Nicky Adams back in the groove

Nicky Adams is hoping his successful loan spell at Leyton Orient will boost his first-team chances at Leicester City.

The 23-year-old right-winger saw plenty of action during his four-week spell at the League One club, and returns determined to impress manager Nigel Pearson.

"It's brilliant to be back," said Adams. "I enjoyed it at Orient, got six games under my belt and was unbeaten, winning three of them. And we were unlucky not to beat Leeds in my last game when they equalised in the 94th minute.

"The manager, Geraint Williams, wanted to keep me until the end of the season but the gaffer (Pearson) wanted me back here.

"He didn't want to let me go on loan in the first place but I needed to play some games."

Adams has started just one Championship and two Carling Cup fixtures this season. The rest of his time has been spent on the bench, from where he has been introduced eight times.

"I needed to gain match-fitness and get sharper," said the Welsh Under-21 international.

"I had not played for a couple of months so I wanted to get back in the groove. I had a few tough games with Orient, which put me in good stead, so that when I did return I could go straight into the mix."

That is where he went at Bristol City on Tuesday, when he went on off the bench.

"I managed to get the last 20 minutes, which was great," said Adams. "It was a tough game. Bristol played very direct and missed out the midfield a lot of the time but I was pleased to get a run-out."

Adams was impressed with League One and said: "The top six or seven teams could play in the Championship, particularly the likes of Leeds and Charlton.

"The only real difference is that Championship clubs take more of their chances than they do in League One."

Adams joined City from Bury in July 2008 but has yet to get a run in the first team. All told, he has made just 12 starts in all competitions – and it is something he is keen to remedy.

"I've been involved for nearly every game but I'm disappointed I've started only a handful of games," said Adams.

"I believe in myself and I think I should have started a few more. But I respect the gaffer's decision and we've got a great squad of lads.

"I have to be patient but I think the loan spell has done me good. The gaffer knows I've done really well in League One and I hope I can kick on in the Championship.

"Between now and the end of the season, I want to play a few games and contribute to us getting promoted. It's a tough ask but I think we can do it."