Nigel Pearson ready to hand start to Riyad Mahrez

Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson has revealed that he is contemplating handing a first start to recent signing Riyad Mahrez.

Mahrez has made four appearances from the bench since joining Leicester from Le Havre during the January transfer window, and Pearson has admitted that he has been impressed with the 22-year-old.

The 50-year-old told BBC Radio Leicester: "He's a quick learner, a quality player and I'd have no qualms about starting him.

"But we will do what we think is right for the group and him. I know that he will be very keen to get his first start, but we will try to judge that for the right reasons.

"I think that he will be able to cope. He is a very confident young man. It is choosing the right moment."

Mahrez netted Leicester's equaliser against Nottingham Forest in midweek.