Ade Akinbiyi silenced the boo-boys as Leicester's £5million record signing scored the decisive second goal to kill off Sunderland at Filbert Street.

The striker has come in for stick from the terraces as he has struggled to adjust to life in the Premiership since his summer move from Wolves.

Foxes manager Peter Taylor had appealed before the game for fans to be patient with Akinbiyi - and they were rewarded as he turned home his seventh goal of the campaign midway through the second period.

It was not a vintage effort with ball appearing to enter the net via his thigh - but it will do wonders for his confidence.

Certainly Akinbiyi seems to be thriving on his partnership with Dean Sturridge and he left the field to a standing ovation when he was substituted in the closing stages when victory was assured.

Taylor's side were well worth the three points as they got their challenge for a UEFA Cup spot back on track after a rocky spell of results.

Leading the way in the centre of midfield was Muzzy Izzet, whose artistry complemented the industry of Robbie Savage.

Gary Rowett and skipper Matt Elliott were impressive in defence while Sturridge again gave evidence of being another astute buy by Taylor at just £300,000 from Derby last month.

Teams:

Leicester: Royce, Rowett, Elliott, Taggart, Sinclair, Lewis, Savage (Jones 83), Izzet, Davidson (Guppy 45), Akinbiyi (Gunnlaugsson 88), Sturridge.

Subs Not Used: Price, Benjamin.

Goals: Sturridge 30, Akinbiyi 65.

Sunderland: Sorensen, Makin, Williams, Thome, Craddock, Kilbane (Dichio 75), McCann, Schwarz, Oster, Quinn, Arca (McCartney 75).

Subs Not Used: Macho, Thirlwell, Clark.

Sent Off: Oster (55).

Booked: Oster, Kilbane, Quinn, Williams.

Att: 21,086

Ref: A D'Urso (Billericay).