Former Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson has claimed that he played a "pivotal" role in the club's surprise challenge for the Premier League title.

Pearson was sacked by the Foxes in June last year, two months before the new season got underway.

Leicester were destined for relegation last season, but Pearson guided the team to seven wins in their last nine games to help them retain their top-flight status.

Now, under the guidance of new manager Claudio Ranieri, the Foxes sit at the top of the league table with a two-point lead over second-placed Tottenham Hotspur.

Pearson, who is responsible for bringing numerous players to Leicester, including Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez, wants partial credit for this season's impressive form.

"They'll win it," Pearson told The Times. "I think they'll win the Premier League, because they won't be distracted by the hype.

"Leicester are where they are because they've had a fantastic season and because their manager has managed skilfully and sensibly, but also because they previously had someone in charge who was able to front it up and make tough decisions when they needed to be made.

"I know how pivotal the work I did was for them to be in the situation they're in now."

Leicester have lost just three of their 26 league games.