Nigel Pearson says Leicester will aim higher than survival

Leicester manager Nigel Pearson says he will be aiming higher than just surviving in the Premier League next season.

Pearson's men thumped QPR 5-1 at home on the final day to complete an amazing recovery by taking 22 points from the last 27 on offer and securing a 14th-placed finish.

However, Pearson says he does not want the club to be involved in a similar relegation battle next season.

"Let's keep the celebrations in context," Pearson said. "It's a fabulous achievement but I wouldn't want to be looking at avoiding relegation as a target to aspire to.

"The two clubs [QPR and Burnley] who come up with us have been relegated, so it's clearly a difficult transition to make.

"I'm a big believer in setting targets which are going to stretch people but I have also got a sense of realism about them.

"Finishing 14th wouldn't have been believable a couple of months ago but we'll see how we add to squad and progress next year."

I'm a big believer in setting targets which are going to stretch people but I have also got a sense of realism about them.

Pearson was delighted with a performance in which five different players - Jamie Vardy, Marc Albrighton, Leonardo Ulloa, Esteban Cambiasso and Andrej Kamaric - all found themselves on the scoresheet.

"Having assured our status last week there was an element of whether we could rise to the occasion," Pearson said.

"I wouldn't say the intensity was there but we played with a ruthless edge and it was important to finish on a good note.

"We've proved in the last nine games that we are capable of being very effective and getting results.

"It has been a steep learning curve for everyone connected with the club and the squad that did not have a lot of Premier League experience at the start of the season.

"But they can draw on their experiences, good and bad, and now we must plan and develop the squad."