Foxes boss Nigel Pearson believes new signing James Vaughan could prove crucial as City aim to cement their place in the play-offs.

The 21 year old has joined Leicester on an initial month long loan deal, in a bid to force his way back into the first team reckoning at Goodison Park.

With Matty Fryatt still sidelined, the Foxes' gaffer felt his team needed something extra in attack and Pearson believes that Vaughan fits the bill.

"He's a player that we've spoken about for quite a long period of time now. We feel that he is the right type of player to give us another dimension in this important run in.

I'm delighted that we've been able to go out and bring a player of his calibre. He's brave and he's got pace and the qualities that he brings would add to any squad."

Even without Fryatt there is still fierce competition for places up-front and Pearson admits it may be difficult to keep all his strikers content.

"When you look at the players we have available in forward positions we've got a lot of options. It's not always going to be able to people happy, but we have to give ourselves the best chance of keeping the momentum going."

Vaughan has spent a lot of time on the sidelines since becoming the Premier League's youngest ever goalscorer aged just sixteen. Despite the forward's track record with injuries Pearson believes it is a risk worth taking.

"There are always risks with any player but the way the deal is structured is good for all parties. What you have to do is back your judgement.

One or two of the injuries he has picked up is due to the fact he is so brave and those are the sort of qualities we're looking for."