NIGEL Pearson, who was in line to take over from Joe Royle as Ipswich Town manager in the summer of 2006, is looking ahead to a successful campaign for Leicester City.

Elvin King

NIGEL Pearson, who was in line to take over from Joe Royle as Ipswich Town manager in the summer of 2006, is looking ahead to a successful campaign for Leicester City.

The Foxes are the Blues first Championship visitors to Portman Road this season with tomorrow's game kicking off at 3pm.

Pearson led Leicester to a comfortable promotion from League One last term, and he is confident he can keep up the good work.

Victory over Swansea last Saturday and in the Carling Cup at Macclesfield on Wednesday has given the manager a timely early boost, and he said: “Our fans have been kept happy, and I'm sure they will expect us to have a good season - and I do as well.

“There is no point playing it down. Managers are always under pressure to win games, but that's what it is about and makes it the game it is.”

Pearson is targeting a play-off spot for his side but added: “We've got to try to win every game. We can't do it, but we've got to try. If you set your standards lower, then you will trip up.

“I'm sure we expect big things from ourselves in a very competitive league.

“There are a lot of very good teams with some very good players.

“All the fans of these clubs will be thinking the same thing, so why not embrace the challenge and try to achieve some success.

“We were one of the big sides in League One and we were able to get out at the first attempt, but the expectations are there and you have to manage them.”

Dany N'Guessan is after a hat-trick of goal scoring games after netting against Swansea and Macclesfield.

The French winger has made an immediate impact since arriving from Lincoln in the summer, also netting in two pre-season games.

“I'm taking a big step,” said the former Auxerre and Glasgow Rangers man. “I just have to give everything, everywhere I can.”

Tomorrow's likely squads

Ipswich Town: R Wright, Supple, Bruce, D Wright, McAuley, Balkestein, Delaney, Healy, Walters, Garvan, Quinn, Trotter, Peters, Martin, Stead, Wickham, Priskin, Colback, Smith, O'Connor, Upson, Lambe.

Leicester City: Weale, Morrison, Brown, Berner, Oakley, Wellens, Dyer, Fryatt, Howard, O'Neill, N'Guessan, Adams, Waghorn, Logan, Neilson, Gradel, Dickov, King, Ajdarevic, Powell.

Referee: Mr P Crossley (Kent).