Nigel Pearson: 'Premier League is the priority'

Leicester City boss Nigel Pearson has admitted that staying in the Premier League is the main priority for his side this season ahead of their FA Cup clash against Newcastle United.

The Foxes have boosted their push for survival in their past two top-flight matches by beating Hull City and claiming a point against Liverpool at Anfield.

Pearson has revealed that he will make changes to his team in order to keep his players fresh for the league campaign following their hectic fixture schedule over the festive period.

He told the club's official website: "I have no qualms in saying the Premier League is the most important thing but I think it would be great to get another win.

"It's come quickly so inevitably there's going to be some changes – it's going to test our ability to recover and put in another very good performance. Over the festive period, the three games that we've had, we've not got the points that we deserve, but I've been pleased about how we've gone about it.

"It's going to be important that we deal with them as it is in any game. I don't know whether they'll make changes – they've got a number of players going to the Africa Cup of Nations as well. It could be a real mixed bag in terms of how they select their side but what we've got to do is try and win the game."

Leicester have failed to win the FA Cup in their history, but have finished runners-up on four occasions.