Chairman: Leicester deserve to be in promotion places

Leicester chairman Milan Mandaric insists the Foxes have every right to be among the early pacesetters in the Championship.

Successive away wins at Reading and QPR have lifted City up to fourth in the table, just three points behind leaders Newcastle.

After making an immediate return to the second tier by winning the League One title, Leicester's lofty position may surprise many. But Mandaric believes they deserve to be among the frontrunners and hailed manager Nigel Pearson as the reason for their successful start to the season.

"Everyone is very excited and rightly so. We are playing as a team at the moment and when you analyse the way we play, there isn't an emphasis on one or two players. It is a team effort," Mandaric told the Leicester Mercury. "I am delighted with the quality of football we are playing at the moment and it underlines the credentials of Nigel Pearson as one of the best managers in this division."

Midlands rivals West Brom, who are second in the table, visit the Walkers Stadium on Saturday and Mandaric added: "It's a huge test for us but, knowing the character of the players, I know they won't let us down.

"Morale is high and everyone is very positive. We are optimistic and confident. Winning on Saturday would put us in a great position."