Leicester City boss Nigel Pearson praised his promotion-chasing team after they had conjured up a brilliant second half performance to win 3-0 against away local rivals Nottingham Forest. "We only came up from League One last season so to be doing what we are doing now was a big ask of the players," Pearson said. "They deserve all the credit because they've done so well.

"People might say we scored two goals from set plays today, but we still thoroughly deserved the win and it may answer one or two of our critics. It was a good day for us.

"We've had a decent run of form since Christmas. We have always been involved in close games and those that we have lost have been narrow defeats."

While welcoming the win over near neighbours Forest, Pearson said it was more important to continue City's unbeaten streak which now runs to eight games.

He said: "Our fans will enjoy having the local bragging rights but the bottom line is that this was an important game to win because it means we maintain our momentum."