Leicester City comment by Nev Foulger: Setback shows need for defensive cover

For those questioning why Leicester City need further defensive reinforcements, the answer was to be found at Cardiff on Saturday.

Being bundled out of the FA Cup may be no bad thing in the greater scheme of things this season.

Conceding two goals in four minutes of stoppage-time, however, is an entirely different matter.

A replay was hardly the ideal scenario for City in view of the congested fixture list they already face, but it would have been considerably less damaging than a 2-2 draw turning into a 4-2 defeat.

It is not the first time this season that the Foxes have failed to batten down the hatches and see out a game.

They had a two-goal lead at Watford in September and drew 3-3.

And Scunthorpe snatched a point with a 93rd-minute goal after City dominated the match.

The problem manager Nigel Pearson faces is that the current defence is young and inexperienced.

The likes of Michael Morrison, Jack Hobbs and Ryan McGivern, on loan from Manchester City, are all still learning their trade.

That means they can suffer dips in form and confidence. Even Chris Weale is experiencing his first full season as first-choice goalkeeper at this level. Only Wayne Brown in the back four has been there, done that and got the t-shirt.

There is no doubt that the long-term knee injury to Aleksandar Tunchev dealt City a major blow.

In the 25 games he played last season, the Bulgarian looked absolute quality – a player who would have made the step up to the Championship with little trouble.

With Bruno Berner also sidelined by injury, City are short of experience at the back. So, if they are to stay in contention for a play-off place, Pearson has to find cover from somewhere. That is why City are being linked with Birmingham City defender, Martin Taylor.

Some fans, though, would prefer to see City splash out on midfield and attack.

But I think Pearson has his priorities right.

All good sides have to be strong at the back. It is like putting down solid foundations when building a house. And Taylor's CV suggests he would be an excellent acquisition.

For a start he is 6ft 4in tall. That might be a help when City are defending set-pieces. He is also comfortable on the ball, distributes it well and is a good reader of the game.

Another attribute is that Taylor is versatile and can play anywhere in the back four.

Above all he is experienced and has played at the top level. With no sign that Tunchev is set to return in the near future, Taylor could fill the void.

Pearson has also added experience to the attack by signing Nolberto Solano on a short-term deal. At 35, Solano might be in the twilight of his career, but he is still capable of bringing that touch of sparkle and quality City sometimes lack in the final third.

The transfer window slams shut at the end of this week but, if Pearson can complete the deals he wants, City should have an excellent chance of staying in the race for one of those play-off places. Then another disappointing FA Cup exit can be consigned to history.