Nigel Pearson backs Leicester City stars to end goal drought

Leicester City boss Nigel Pearson is confident several of his side will break their goal drought soon.

Strikers Yann Kermorgant and Steve Howard, plus midfielders Matt Oakley and Richie Wellens, are among a group of players who have yet to find the net during this campaign, and Pearson admits they may be feeling anxious about it.

However, he has backed them all to hit the goal trail soon and said he was not concerned at City's lack of goals recently.

City have suffered just one defeat in their last nine games and are in third place in the Championship, two points above today's opponents Nottingham Forest, who are unbeaten in their last 10 fixtures.

However, Pearson is aware City's position could be even better had they taken the opportunities their good play has created. Last Saturday, City could have scored a hatful against Scunthorpe and were punished in the last minute of added time when the Iron grabbed an equaliser.

"I think if you spoke to the players there would be a few who feel they feel they are due to get that first goal," he said. "We are getting in good positions and working the goalkeeper so I am not overly concerned in the sense that we are creating chances, but we do have a few players who would be, not in need of a goal for their confidence, but they would feel they are due a goal or two.

"We would always like to score more goals but we are creating chances and we look quite dangerous, and I have faith in the players we have got, so I am not unduly worried.

"It is a case of being in a decent position but in an ideal world we would like to convert more of our chances. I think that is something that will come.

"We have some good players in the squad and I have every confidence in them."

Pearson is expecting a difficult derby clash at the City Ground against a Forest side full of confidence following their 4-1 drubbing of Doncaster Rovers last weekend. They will be backed by 4,300 fans, having sold all their full allocation.

"They are playing very well and getting some very good results," he said.

"It will be a tough game regardless of either teams' form. There is a lot of interest in this game and both sides are desperate to win it.

"Maybe people weren't expecting us both to be up there but I keep saying there are not a lot of points between a number of sides. We are pleased to be in the position we are in.

"I think we could be a few points better off but I am sure a few managers would say that.

"It is going okay but that is all out of the window on Saturday because it is down to the game itself.

"It will be a tough game.

"As always there is a lot riding on it for fans. I think both teams will share the mindset that they have to put a good show on.

"In derbies it is getting the balance right between being up for the game but also being in control of your emotions as well.

"It is an important game for the fans but we are looking forward to the game. Wee understand the magnitude of it.