Muzzy Izzet and Jordan Stewart scored the goals which confirmed Leicester's Premiership return at the first attempt - and left Brighton in desperate relegation trouble.

Micky Adams' men needed a victory to guarantee top-flight football next season and it was effectively secured in the first half. Turkey midfielder Izzet sent them on their way in the 10th minute and Stewart doubled the lead just before the break.

The match started quietly although Paul Brooker forced Leicester goalkeeper Ian Walker into action after just four minutes, the former England man parrying his shot.

But Izzet took advantage of the next chance. Paul Dickov broke down the left and although his cross was close to goalkeeper Dave Beasant, Izzet got his head to the ball and opened the scoring.

The Foxes were content to sit on their lead and, with Brighton unable to provide much attacking threat, it took either side 17 minutes to have another effort at goal. It came from Leicester defender Matt Elliott, who drilled the ball wide.

In the 32nd minute Izzet was booked for a foul on Richard Carpenter, and shortly afterwards the relegation-haunted visitors reminded Leicester they have plenty to play for themselves.

Firstly, Ian Walker again could only palm away a shot from Paul Watson, but a minute later he held a Kerry Mayo strike and then Elliott produced a timely block as Gary Hart fired the ball in.

The game was opening up nicely now and Dickov had a great opportunity to make it 2-0 but veteran Beasant made a fine save.

However, with two minutes left of the half Stewart did extend the advantage. Izzet curled over a corner and Beasant could do nothing about Stewart's bullet header.

That goal had most of the 31,909 crowd partying during the interval and Brighton could do nothing to spoil the atmosphere in the second half, which was largely a non-event until Leicester's James Scowcroft went close twice just before a final whistle which sparked wild celebrations.

Teams

Leicester: Walker, Sinclair, Elliott, Taggart, Stewart, Davidson, Izzet, Rogers (Impey 81), Scowcroft, Dickov (Wright 79), Benjamin (Deane 79).

Subs Not Used: Heath, Summerbee.

Booked: Izzet.

Goals: Izzet 10, Stewart 45.

Brighton: Beasant, Watson, Mayo, Cullip, Blackwell (Jones 69), Hart, Brooker (Oatway 73), Carpenter, Ingimarsson, Zamora (Barrett 77), Rodger.

Subs Not Used: Packham, Kitson.

Booked: Ingimarsson, Hart, Carpenter.

Att: 31,909

Ref: M Ryan (Lancashire).