Nigel Pearson hails Esteban Cambiasso impact

Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson has praised the impact of Esteban Cambiasso in his side's 1-0 victory over Stoke City earlier today.

The 34-year-old, who joined the Foxes on a one-year deal during the summer transfer window, was brought on at the interval and made a big difference as Leicester recorded their first win of the season.

"[Cambiasso's] game management is exceptional," Pearson is quoted as saying by BT Sport. "He's not had the success he's had over his career without showing qualities, not just with the ball but in terms of his organisational skills.

"He was a very important influence on the game in the second half. But we functioned better as a team as well. There were a lot of goalmouth incidents in the game and at times we had to, not ride our luck but defend with a lot of commitment. It wasn't an easy game by any stretch of the imagination.

"I think 45 minutes for [Cambiasso] was probably about right in terms of an introduction to English football and I'm pleased that he's played his part in what is a very important win for us."

The three points lift the East Midlands outfit up to 10th in the Premier League table.