Nigel Pearson has been true to his word and personally taken responsibility for 'livening up' his players ahead of today's visit of league leaders Burnley.Leicester City were knocked off top spot by the Clarets following last week's loss at Brighton and, after back-to-back defeats, Pearson vowed to pull his troops together during training this week.
Striker David Nugent confirmed that the City boss has done just that this week, and said: "We've not shown the work-ethic in the last couple of games so we need to put that right.
"The gaffer has been taking charge of the sessions, he's been trying to get us going again.
"Shakey (assistant manager Craig Shakespeare) usually takes the sessions and the gaffer watches at the sides, but the gaffer has taken over again during this week. He has got us going.
"Training has been very high-tempo and we are looking to take that training form into the game."
Nugent is hoping his happy knack of scoring against his former clubs will continue this afternoon.
The 28-year-old spent a season on loan at Turf Moor when they were in the Premier League, in 2009-10, and since then he has scored four times in six games against them.
Nugent admits he has been surprised to see Burnley make such an impressive start to the campaign, especially after losing top-scorer Charlie Austin, but believes they can stay the course.
"I have a good record against them," he said. "I always seem to score against my former clubs so, hopefully, that can continue.
"They have done ever so well this season. No-one expected them to be up there at this stage of the season.
"They have lost Charlie Austin as well, but fair play to Danny Ings and Sam Vokes, who have come up with the goods and scored the goals which have fired them up there. I can't see why they can't carry it on. They have lasted this long so far.
"It is always the Christmas period which defines your season because there are so many games in such a short space of time.
"After that period, people will look at where you are in the table and, if you are doing well, people will expect you to keep that going into the second half of the season.
"We know it is a really big period coming up and, if we can do well, I am sure we can get one of those top two spots," said Nugent.• Follow live coverage of the League Championship match between Leicester City and Burnley at the King Power Stadium on Saturday, December 14, 2013.
