VARDY’S STILL A FLYING FOX

Rodgers: He’s a legend with more to come

BRENDAN RODGERS revealed Jamie Vardy could earn a new deal at Leicester if he keeps up his age-defying form.

The 35-year-old has 150 League goals for Leicester after joining the club a decade ago from then nonleague Fleetwood.

His goals have helped him lift both the Premier League title and FA Cup with the club.

But his brace against Norwich on Wednesday came in just his second top-flight start in 2022 after being hampered by knee and hamstring injuries.

Vardy’s contract is up next June but Rodgers admits Leicester may potentially extend it in the future. Ahead of Watford’s visit tomorrow, Rodgers (below with Vardy) said: “I’m sure we will assess and look at it in the summer.

“There probably will have been some discussions behind the scenes but at this moment in time we are quite relaxed on it.

“Jamie is a special player and a special person. Having seen close up the mentality he has, it is such a shame we have missed him for a lot of games this season.

“You saw the other night his movement and speed is still there.

“But you get to 35 years old and everyone references your age.

“For me, it is just about how he is physically and when I look at him when he is at that level you can see he is still a real threat.

“He has 150 goals now which is a remarkable achievement by a brilliant player. Hopefully he can stay fit so he can play many more games. Jamie is blessed genetically, however he still works very hard at the physical aspect of his game to keep himself in the right condition.

“He is a true legend at the club who still has many more games to go if he can get a little luck with injuries and keep his level of hunger, which is so important.

“Thankfully for him at this moment he is still very keen to prove a point.”

Vardy has 14 goals this term but could be eclipsed in the scoring charts this term by attacking midfielder James Maddison.

Maddison took his tally in all competitions to 15 goals and eight assists against his former club Norwich.

Rodgers said: “James has been our most efficient player. People were talking about Kevin De Bruyne scoring 18 goals as a midfield player but with all due respect he is playing at a top team at Manchester City.

“James has had to work for every goal he has had this season.

“He is not on penalties but he has been absolutely outstanding these last couple of months.

“You only need to look at his numbers and performances to see he is one of the top English players in the country, without question.

“He can’t control who Gareth Southgate has in his squad or who he picks, but I’m sure he will finish the season in great form.”