Leicester City boss Nigel Pearson joins tributes to Jeff Astle

Former Albion assistant boss Nigel Pearson has joined the tributes to Baggies legend Jeff Astle as his Leicester side prepare to play their part in tomorrow's Hawthorns celebrations.

The Foxes will provide the opposition as Tony Pulis's side look to move closer to Premier League safety while honouring Astle for the launch of the foundation in his name.

And Pearson, who was No.2 to Bryan Robson at Albion, believes the day of a events will be fitting.

He said: "Having spent time at the football club and having met Jeff Astle's family, I know that his wife and people supporting them have been campaigning for quite a long time.

"I also know that the club have been very supportive of the family.

"It's recognition for an outstanding player and person who's achieved an awful lot for the football club.

"I think it's great that West Brom have decided to make an occasion to both celebrate Jeff Astle's contribution but also to raise awareness of these types of head injury issues.

"We will play our part and we're pleased to play a part in what will be a fitting tribute to a great player who's achieved an awful lot for a football club."

However, Pearson insists Leicester's players must blank out the significance of the day once the match kicks off as they look to boost their hopes of Premier League survival.

"For us, we have to recognise that we are a part of the day, but our own plight is the most important thing for us," said Pearson.

"Getting the balance right is always difficult. We have to concentrate on our own situation, and keep that in context."

Matt Upson and Dean Hammond have returned to training for Leicester ahead of the game.

Midfielder Hammond has been limited to just 10 appearances for the Foxes this season due to a calf injury, with his last outing coming in the 1-0 Barclays Premier League victory over Villa in January.

Veteran defender Upson has recovered from his Achilles problem which made him unavailable for the 2-1 win over West Ham United last time out.

Pearson's outfit have lost four of their last five games in all competitions.

"We know this is a game that we have to do everything we can to win," said Pearson.

"That's how we approach every game. How recent results will affect how West Brom will set up, I don't know.

"Knowing Tony Pulis, he will stay very much in terms of what has got him success. He will stick to the principles that have reaped rewards over quite a long period of time. He will be aware of the fact that there is a need to rectify previous results.

"That is secondary to our own performance and how we approach the game ourselves. We've got to be able to deal with our opponents and what they're about.

"The thing I'm most aware of is our own type of performance and the levels that we are capable of. We'll be trying to hit those again and even improve if we can."