City boss Nigel Pearson had nothing but praise for his players after seeing them record a 4-1 pre-season victory over Kettering Town at Rockingham Road on Saturday.

Backed by over 1,000 Foxes fans, goals from Nicky Adams (2), Matty Fryatt and DJ Campbell did the damage on an energy-sapping afternoon.

He said: "First and foremost I was pleased with the performance; it was a very hot day but I thought we passed the ball quite well while the other aspects of our game in terms of team shape looked a bit better than in previous matches.

"Kettering could have caused us problems but they didn't because we were very professional about how we went about the game so in some regards it was relatively comfortable.

"We fielded a strong side because we are now only two weeks away from the start of the season so it is important that our players are not just fit but getting nearer to match fitness and I thought the performance today was up another notch and that's pleasing.

"The game was another step in the right direction because ultimately it's about being ready for that first game against MK Dons on August 9."

Meanwhile, new signing Jack Hobbs got 74 minutes of action under his belt only 24 hours after signing from Premier League outfit Liverpool.

And Pearson was delighted with his efforts and contribution.

He added: "Jack Hobbs is a good player and adds strength to our squad.

"I am pleased to have him on board - he is another player who is looking to build a career and this is a good opportunity for him.

"At the end of the day any club that loans a player out must feel that he is going to the right club where he will get an opportunity to play and gain that right level of experience and I feel that we can offer that to players here."

City's pre-season preparations step up another gear on Tuesday night when they entertain Birmingham City at the Walkers Stadium (7.45pm).

Tickets for the game remain on general sale.