Foxes manager Nigel Pearson has declared defender Wayne Brown fit to return to the side for Sunday's East Midlands derby with play-off rivals Coventry City.

Former Hull defender Brown missed the victories over Cardiff and Crystal Palace with a hamstring injury but could be back in the side at the Walkers Stadium.

Brown has been an integral part of Leicester's back line this season, which has conceded just 33 goals, and Pearson is glad to have the 32-year old back in contention:

"Browny will almost certainly be available, and it's good to have him back. We won't be far off a full squad."

New loan signing James Vaughan also missed the win at Selhurst Park on Tuesday, with a combination of illness and injury but is in the squad for the game against the Sky Blues.

Vaughan made a bright start to his Foxes' career in the 1-0 win over Cardiff, and Pearson sees the striker as a crucial figure in his side's run in:

"He's had a bit of illness but he's back and what's important is that the players are in a position to contribute when needed.

I know that James will have a massive impact for us during the run-in."

With Vaughan and Brown back, Pearson is hoping City will have enough to keep Coventry and their other play-off rivals at bay. Leicester will be looking to extend their advantage on the current seventh placed side to ten points with a win today.

Victory on Sunday would be Leicester's fourth home win in a row, and Pearson believes that his side must replicate the performance they produced against Nottingham Forest, who they beat 3-0 at the end of February:

"It's a local derby and we've got to make sure that we are like we were for the Forest game. We need to be aggressive and make sure our tempo is right for the game."