Burnley vs Leicester City: Danny Drinkwater's impressive return down to hard work, says Foxes boss Nigel Pearson

Foxes midfielder has made just 16 appearances for the club this season

(Getty)

Danny Drinkwater did his chances of regaining a spot in the Leicester City line-up no harm during the 2-0 win over Swansea, according to his manager Nigel Pearson.

The 25-year-old returned to the first-team with an impressive 16 minute cameo following a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Drinkwater was named as Leicester's Player of the Year last season following 45 appearances as the East Midlands club lifted the Championship title with 102 points.

It's been a frustrating debut season in the Premier League for the former Manchester United and Cardiff City midfielder, however, with first team opportunities at a premium.

Danny Drinkwater was an inspirational figure in Leicester's promotion to the Premier League (Getty)

Pearson said: "I was delighted with his contribution, bearing in mind his limited opportunities of late I thought he was excellent when he came on.

"I would expect that from the players, I would expect them to be ready to play their part.

"It may well be that the cameo appearance, which I thought was very good, keeps him in my mind and everybody else’s mind that he is ready for his next chance."

Nigel Pearson is wary of hope turning into expectation at Leicester (Getty)

Drinkwater's substitute display was vital in helping Leicester to their third consecutive victory, the first time since 2000 that they've been able to muster such a rich vein of form in the top flight.

Only the impressive form of Andy King and Esteban Cambiasso has kept Drinkwater from returning sooner and Pearson insists that no individual's needs will outweigh those of the club as a whole.

"Our collective outcome is more important than any individual’s situation and that includes everybody."