Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson believes he has the players who hold the key to unlocking stubborn defences.

As City's reputation as a strong Championship force has developed, they have found opponents more concerned with containing rather than attacking them, especially at the Walkers Stadium.

However, Pearson thinks he has got the players in his squad who have the ability to conjure up something special.

Against Plymouth Argyle last Saturday, Pearson utilised French striker Yann Kermorgant in a floating role behind the front two of Matty Fryatt and Martyn Waghorn.

And he said it was a worthwhile experiment that he may repeat.

But it is not just Kermorgant that Pearson believes can hurt opposition defences.

"We have a number of very intelligent footballers on the pitch who, when we pass the ball well enough, can hurt a lot of sides," he said.

"What we will find here on a number of occasions is that teams will come and set up in a negative fashion, be hard to break down and keep their shape very well. Sometimes you need an extra trick to use.

"Yann is exceptionally good in the air. He is a very intelligent footballer and he is coming to terms with the English game.

"When you have a midfield behind him of Richie Wellens, Paul Gallagher and Andy King, we have got strength in depth.

"It was worth a try and I thought we were unlucky not to take the lead earlier, but it is nice to be able to change things."

City's team spirit shone through as they never gave up in the search for a breakthrough against the Pilgrims, Andy King scoring the winner in time added on.

And Pearson said that was down to the hunger of the players to succeed.

"You don't instil team spirit, you develop it, and the people involved are responsible for that," he said.

"The players are hungry for success. They are a group of players that have a lot of talent.

"But we also have a lot of players who are striving to be in a better place, which is always good to have.

"Whether we can achieve success or promotion this season remains to be seen.

"We have put ourselves in a decent position, but you only have to look five or six places below us.

"There isn't a lot in it and the pressure will be back on next time we play."