Holloway still thrilled despite a goalless start at Leicester

Ian Holloway is thrilled by the prospect of transforming Leicester from a mid-table team to promotion contenders, even though he was denied a first-match victory on Monday night.

The new manager at the Walkers Stadium had to settle for a point against lowly Cardiff City as he embarked on his new reign but his enthusiasm was nevertheless remarkable.

Despite almost losing his voice with excitement, Holloway said: 'That was just about as good as you are going to get from a goalless draw. I am quite excited to be at Leicester and I saw plenty to build on.

'This is a big club and it was obvious to me there are some very useful kids to work with and it's my job to encourage them and to bring them on. I was very pleased with what I saw and, if the players give me that kind of commitment, then I am sure we can create an exciting atmosphere.'

One point might have seemed a somewhat inauspicious start but Holloway has had hardly any time with the players since his appointment last Friday.

Morale had been damaged by two swift managerial turnovers involving Martin Allen and Gary Megson which led to Holloway's appointment from Plymouth. Players were unquestionably shaken by the turnover and owner Milan Mandaric is hoping a period of stability will prove a turning point.

There was no question about Leicester's determination but they were denied victory by a combination of really tough luck and the excellence of Cardiff's on-loan goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, who was in terrific form.

Even when Schmeichel failed to get in the way, the goalposts did the work as first substitute Andy King and then striker Matty Fryatt delivered cracking efforts against the post.

Cardiff worked hard to keep a clean sheet and their skipper Darren Purse said: 'This performance was a platform for us to build on to improve our position.'