Former Leicester City striker Gary Lineker has stated his belief that Nigel Pearson is on course to keep the club in the Premier League.

Pearson has been involved in several controversial incidents this season after bringing Leicester up to the top flight as winners of the Championship last term, including an altercation with Crystal Palace midfielder James McArthur in February and engaging in a row with a journalist last week.

Match of the Day host Lineker, who had a spat with the 51-year-old regarding the McArthur incident earlier this term, believes that Pearson is the right man for the Foxes.

"Nigel has done a brilliant job at Leicester," Lineker told BBC Sport. "He knows what he's doing - yes, he's a little bit weird at times, a little bit odd. I've had a little spat with him and he sometimes gets a little heated and out of order. But, I think we'll all put up with that if he keeps them up.

"He's been accused of being slightly arrogant and patronising but he's kept the players together, he's kept them focused and kept the belief.

"He clearly knows what he's doing in terms of his job and that's all that matters really. He can be a bit quirky. But Jose Mourinho can be difficult at times and he's done all right."

Pearson's side have won five of their last six games to move up to 16th in the table.