Former Leicester City favourite Richard Stearman: I can't wait to face my old team

Former Leicester City favourite Richard Stearman is relishing the prospect of his first game against his hometown club.

The 25-year-old was raised in Leicestershire, came through City's academy and into the first team before leaving for Wolves four years ago.

The local lad, who was spotted while playing for Harbrough Town, has yet to play against City.

Until recently, Stearman has remained in Leicestershire and stays in touch with people at City.

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"It's the first time I've played against them since leaving so it will be even more special," said Stearman, who made 116 appearances for City before his departure to Molineux, in 2008.

"I still keep in touch with a few people. There are still a few members of staff, such as kitmen and physios, and the odd player there from my time, so it will be nice to see a few familiar faces.

"They have had a lot of changes managerially, although Nigel Pearson was in charge when I was there, it was only for a week."

Only midfielder Andy King remains from his generation of City players, and Stearman admits he is surprised the Wales international has not been snapped up by a Premier League club.

"A lot of the players I was there with have been moved on, he said. "But Andy has done really well for them and scored a lot of important goals too.

"I'm surprised he hasn't moved on to a bigger team because he's done very well.

"I think he's good enough to grace the Premier League – and I'm sure he wants to be there as well."

Stearman said he had fond memories of his time at Leicester, despite a tumultuous time for the club, but believes City could now be on the cusp of promotion success.

"I spent 10 years at the club and they're the team I look out for, second to us," he said.

"It's a weird one for me because I spent 10 good years there and they taught me what I know. They were hugely helpful and influential in what I've become.

"I went through double figures in numbers of managers I played under, so what's happened here with people coming and going at Wolves is nothing new. I'm well experienced in that.

"I thoroughly enjoyed my time there and I wish them all the best. It's a team I'd like to see do well.

"They have spent a lot of money so the pressure is going to be on to do well. Like everyone, they want to be in the Premier League.

"I think with the players they have brought in and the investment they have made, they're going to be strong contenders.

"I've mentioned Andy King already but they've got front players such as Jermaine Beckford, David Nugent and Jamie Vardy so they're very good going forward and they've got a lot of strength throughout their squad."

His old mate King made his debut against Wolves in October 2007.