City boss Nigel Pearson praised second half substitute Lloyd Dyer after the midfielder came on and scored what proved to be the winner in the 2-1 win against Blackpool.

The winger had not started since mid January, but impressed yesterday in a second half cameo which saw him score his second goal of the season.

Pearson believes that the instant impact made by Dyer shows how crucial each member of the squad is in the race for the play-offs.

 "It is important when players are not in the side they need to be ready. When you are a sub you could be on in the first minute or the last minute. They have to be ready when they are called on, simple as that."

City faced a Blackpool side who played some excellent football despite the state of the Bloomfield Road pitch, and although the hosts created a number of chances the Foxes' manager believes it was time his team had a change in luck.

"It was a tough game I thought they played some very good football and that we were very good on the counter attack and I suppose in many ways they will be disappointed but it is about time we had a bit of good fortune."

The scoreline could have been a lot different had goalkeepers Chris Weale and Matt Gilks not been in top form, and Pearson believes the fact that both 'keepers were forced into some superb saves reflects how keen both teams were to claim all three points.

 "Chris made some good stops but their keeper had to make some unbelievable saves, one from Martyn Waghorn and from Lloyd Dyer so the game could have been very different but what I would say is that the players gave everything they had got.

It was a very open game, both teams tried to win it so there were always going to be chances but that is sometimes the risk you have to take and on the day we got a good win and fortunately got a couple of decisions that went our way for a change which was a relief."