Nolberto Solano ready for Leicester City debut

Nolberto Solano has been given the all-clear to make his Leicester City debut tomorrow.

City received international clearance yesterday morning for the Peru international to face his former club Newcastle United in tomorrow's tea-time clash at the Walkers Stadium.

Solano, who has signed until the end of the season, has been training with his new City team-mates since last week, but had to miss the trips to Cardiff City and Barnsley because of the delay.

Manager Nigel Pearson said he was delighted to finally get the chance to throw Solano into action. He said his new signing has already made an impact.

"I am sure he will be looking forward to this game against his former club," said Pearson.

"He is a player of vast experience and quality, and it is good to have him about because he is a good personality, too.

"I am sure he will contribute in a very positive way on the pitch.

"Nobby is a good technician and character. He has played a whole season in Peru, which is a very different standard, but he knows how to look after himself and I am pleased to have him on board.

"He will give us something a little different. Although he is not in his youth any more he brings a lot of quality.

"I know him from Newcastle and, in my time there, he played in a number of positions, so he will be versatile for us.

"Although he is at the wrong end of his career in some ways, what he does do is bring a level of quality and, hopefully, we will be able to utilise that.

"When we have had practice matches he has looked good and the players have noticed that.

"It is about having an impact on the pitch, of course, but off it so far he has had a very positive effect."

Bruno Berner could also be in the frame to make his comeback against the Geordies.

The left-back has been missing since the victory over Sheffield Wednesday on December 12 because of a calf problem and Pearson admitted he had not expected to be without the Swiss defender for so long.

If Berner is not ready, Pearson must decide between teenager Ryan McGivern and 40-year-old Chris Powell, who performed well at Oakwell on Tuesday, for the left-back berth.

"Bruno has trained for the last two or three days so we will assess where we are closer to Saturday," said Pearson.

"Bruno has been out for about five weeks now and I have to admit I have been surprised that he has been out that long.

"He has been one of our most consistent performers and has had a good season so far.

"It would be good to have him back, but whether this game is too soon or not we will have to wait and see."

City were yesterday linked with Barrow AFC midfielder Andy Bond. Barrow joint-manager Dave Bayliss has told the North West Evening Mail that City are among several clubs considering a move for the 23-year-old former Crewe Alexandra trainee.

"Championship clubs are interested in Andy Bond and there have been a few approaches," he said. "Leicester is one of them, Preston is one, and there are a few more as well. But they have to make an offer first, and no-one has made an offer."