Former Leicester City striker Ade Akinbiyi has praised Nigel Pearson for overseeing the club's return to the Premier League.

The Foxes, who lost in the semi-finals of the playoffs last season, have been out of the top flight since their relegation back in 2004.

However, the 2-1 victory over Sheffield Wednesday earlier this month secured promotion to the Premier League with six Championship fixtures to spare.

Speaking about the influence of Pearson on his players, Akinbiyi, who made 67 appearances for the club, has told Sports Mole that the manager is deserving of all the plaudits that he has received.

"Nigel Pearson has done remarkably well. He's a very, very good manager. When he talks you can see that he is a very level-headed guy who gets on with his job and it seems that his attitude has rubbed off on to his players and the staff around him. They've almost got the job done where the title is concerned as well," said the 39-year-old.

Leicester are back in action tonight against Reading at the Madejski Stadium.