Nigel Pearson has moved to bolster his promotion-chasing squad with the capture of Liverpool midfielder Jay Spearing.

The 21-year-old joins the Foxes on loan until the end of the season to gain some much-needed first team experience at the Walkers Stadium.

Spearing is held in high regard at Anfield, making his debut in Liverpool's Champions League victory at PSV Eindhoven back in late 2008.

He also captained the Merseyside club's FA Youth Cup winning side in 2007, putting him on the fringes of Rafa Benitez's first team this year.

But with just the one start in the Reds' defeat at Sunderland and five appearances in total, the youngster has joined up with Nigel Pearson's squad to help secure their current play-off position.

Chairman Milan Mandaric believes Spearing can have a healthy impact on his manager's squad, saying: 'Jay is a great signing for the team, a player that should bea big help to us between now and the end of the season.

'We have been trying to do everything we can to ensure that we have the best chance possible of succeeding in this division.'

Spearing has been given the number 34 shirt, and joins up with the Foxes ahead of their crucial home clash with Reading tomorrow evening.