‘New Vardy’ set for Leicester return at Watford

WATFORD: A two-week break from Premier League action has brought good news and bad for flagging champions Leicester City, who visit Watford today.

A 2-1 defeat at home to West Bromwich Albion sent Claudio Ranieri’s men into the international break just two points above the relegation zone and with injury issues piling up.

But an England goal for Jamie Vardy, ending a two-month drought, has given the Foxes a timely boost ahead of their trip to Vicarage Road.

“It was important for him and important for everybody to score,” said manager Ranieri.

“Of course he never spoke about it, but I know goalscorers always wants to score. Now we’ll see a new Vardy.”

Goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel (broken hand) and close-season signing Nampalys Mendy (ankle) remain out and key midfielder Danny Drinkwater is a doubt with a rib injury.

But while Drinkwater was sitting out England’s games against Scotland and Spain, Vardy was scoring for the first time in 15 games in the 2-2 draw with the Spaniards at Wembley on Tuesday.

Having being dropped for his side’s last two Premier League games, the talisman of last season’s title triumph is set for a recall. “Yes, I think he will have a run of games now,” said Ranieri. “He can play normally now.”

Vardy went 14 games for club and country without a goal after scoring for Leicester in their 4-1 defeat at Liverpool in September.

Vardy said: “It’s just always good to get that goal. That one is in the back of the net now and hopefully I can kick on and start putting more away.

“The gaffer (manager) spoke to us, the strikers. The way we play, we can’t get all of us on the pitch and that’s just football. “That’s how it is. If I’m on the bench then it’s up to me to make an impact if I come on.”