Pearson (right) in action on his debut for Stoke (Getty Images)

Stoke City midfielder Stephen Pearson says the promotion race in the Championship is too close to call.

Pearson made his debut in the 1-1 draw against Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday, a result that allowed Bristol City to overtake Stoke at the top.

The 25-year-old told BBC Radio Stoke: "There's going to be a lot of twists and turns, and whoever can put a run together can go and win it."

The top five teams in the Championship are separated by just five points.

The Scotland international has joined the Potters on loan until the end of the season from Derby County and there is a chance his move could become permanent if Stoke achieve promotion.

"We need to wait and see what happens, but obviously we need to get there first and that's the most important thing," Pearson said.

He set up the opening goal for Richard Cresswell at Hillsborough, but was unhappy he could not cap off his first appearance for the club with a victory.

"I think if our finishing had been a bit better we would have won the game.

"We should have won, but we'll take the point and move on."