LEICESTER SHAKE-UP IS BOOST FOR GRAY
DEMARAI GRAY has lifted the lid about his frustrations with life under Craig Shakespeare at Leicester, claiming his development has been ‘held back’.
The England Under 21 winger last week signed a new long-term contract to stay at the King Power Stadium and has been revitalised by the arrival of new manager Claude Puel.
If he maintains his current level, he will follow Joe Gomez, Tammy Abraham and Ruben Loftus-Cheek into the senior squad.
Gray has started the two Premier League games under Puel, playing 170 minutes, which is a stark contrast to when Shakespeare was in charge.
He had only started one top-flight game in this campaign before the French coach arrived, with his playing time limited to 235 minutes. It was a similar story last season when he figured in just 1,038 minutes.
England boss Gareth Southgate is a confirmed fan of Gray but he passed on the chance to select him for England’s senior squad this month.
While the 21- year- old understands the reasons, he is frustrated that Shakespeare — and Claudio Ranieri before him — did not give him a regular platform.
‘Being in and out of the team is not good,’ said Gray, who will have a key role for the Under 21s today against Ukraine in their Euro 2019 qualifier. ‘You see the players that are getting selected. A lot of them are playing regular football at their club and we all know what Gareth is about. If you are in good form and doing well at your club, he will put faith in you. That is why I felt very disappointed at times because I felt I was being held back by not playing. I know what I’m capable of. I think with my last few performances I have started to show people what I can do.’
Gray added: ‘Over the last 18 months I’ve been held back a bit. There were times I felt I could have played, but it was the manager’s decision.
‘Everything happens for a reason and I think I’ve got through the rough stage. It’s settling now.
‘Since Puel came in, I feel I’m going to get more chances.’