Premier League: Nigel Pearson happy after Leicester's 2-2 draw with Everton

Nigel Pearson was encouraged after Leicester City marked their return to the Premier League with a 2-2 draw at home to Everton.

Leicester, who won the Championship last season, were playing a top-flight game for the first time in a decade and fell behind to Aiden McGeady’s excellent curler on 20 minutes.

Record signing Leonardo Ulloa equalised just two minutes later and, after Steven Naismith restored Everton’s advantage just before half-time, substitute Chris Wood earned Leicester a point with four minutes left.

Pearson is aware of how difficult it will be for Leicester to stay in the Premier League, but he was happy with the spirit shown by his players in their opening game of the season.

“It would be nicer to win,” Pearson told Sky Sports. “It’s been a very tight game, an interesting game.

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“We’re disappointed to have gone behind twice, but the players have shown a lot of character and ability as well to get ourselves back into it.

“It’s always good to get something out of the opening game.

“I think the players, if you ask the players, will have learned a few key lessons today, that would be they have to believe very much in their own ability and that we probably have to make a little bit more out of our own possession at times.

“We have shown resilience and belief, and it’s good to get something out of the game against a side which has shown over a number of years the amount of quality they have.

“It’s encouraging, but we’re under no illusions as to how difficult this division can be. My job as a manager is to keep preaching what we’re about and hopefully we will build on what has been a good performance.”