West Brom vs Leicester City: Foxes can’t get ‘bogged down’ in maths, warns Nigel Pearson

The Foxes meet West Brom looking for a second win on the bounce

(Getty)

Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson has been boosted by having a virtually fully-fit squad for the visit to West Bromwich Albion this weekend.

The Foxes remain six points adrift of Premier League safety despite the 2-1 victory over West Ham United on Saturday.

Goals from Estaban Cambiasso and Andy King gave Pearson’s men their first league win since January, a 1-0 success against Aston Villa at the King Power Stadium, and they are now eying another three points at the Hawthorns.

"Sometimes being under pressure can bring the best out of you," he said on Thursday afternoon.

"Our players now have a number of months of Premier League experience. Ultimately you will survive or not based on your own form.

"We have to try and keep it in our own hands as long as possible. We need to win more games."

Matt Upson returns to action after an injury (Getty)

Defender Matt Upson has returned to training after suffering from an Achilles injury while Dean Hammond is back in contention following a recurrent calf problem.

"Matt has trained and so has Dean," Pearson added. "We go into this run-in with some nice selection issues.

"When you have got a squad where the only players unavailable are long-termers, that means only 11 starters and seven subs.

"It is really a positive for us to have so many players available.

"Unfortunately, for players who aren't involved in the squad, it is important that they stay match-fit and play football."

Nigel Pearson remains calm about Leicester's chances of survival (Getty)

The 51-year-old former West Brom assistant manager has experience of avoiding the drop with the Baggies while also masterminding famous escapes with Carlisle United and Southampton.

Pearson continued: "The players have dealt with an awful lot of disappointment but we've strived for positive performances.

"We need to live up to other peoples' views of what we have seen. The pressure will be on us to an extent but there is maybe less pressure because people have written us off.

"We need to make sure, whatever happens, the players have given their best shot. It's one thing to hope, another to go out and do it.

"I don't know how it will pan out. What we have to do is manage the swings in mood that will be in the public domain. We can't get bogged down with the maths."

The Leicester manager also confirmed winger Anthony Knockaert, who has made just eight Premier League appearances this term, has been offered a new contact.