City boss Nigel Pearson was delighted to see his team round off the Championship campaign with a fifth successive win against Middlesbrough to go into the play-offs in terrific form.

City will now face Cardiff in the play-off semi-finals and Pearson is glad that they do so after taking maximum points in their last five fixtures.

"It was always going to be important to finish the season with a good result and we did so I am pleased about that. We have negotiated a tricky fixture where I wanted to make changes, but you don't want to lose the game because you have won the previous four and it is important we don't pick up injuries, get players booked or sent off so there is a lot going on so it was good to get through the day and win the game."

Pearson made seven changes from the win at Preston, but even without the likes of Weale, Brown and King, City put in an assured performance and the Foxes' manager believes it reflects Leicester's strength in depth.

"I am in the fortunate position of being able to make seven changes and still have a very good side out there so it shows we have got depth to the squad and quality as well.

"In the course of any season some players will make a bigger contribution than others so it is important that when players do contribute they do so in a positive way. I think the squad ethic is fabulous and again you have seen there is a good spirit here and players are able to do the job when called upon."

Yann Kermorgant opened his City account in fine style to give the Foxes a half time lead, and Pearson admitted the Frenchman had at times found things difficult during his first season at the club.

 "We know what he can do and he has been a bit frustrated that his goal scoring prowess has not been seen so far but I think he was very good today and played in three different positions, up top then in midfield and finally out on the wing so he has a lot of qualities. We know he is a good finisher and I am delighted for him that he has shown that today."