SHAKES RATTLE AND ROLE
Boss Craig’s ‘harsh’ sacking by Foxes has silver lining for Gray
HARSH is the common perception in Leicester’s dressing room of Craig Shakespeare’s sacking.
But you will not find Demarai Gray complaining.
The England Under-21 star has been elevated to the Foxes’ starting line-up for both Claude Puel’s opening games.
He has also signed a new deal and produced two stunning displays, the latest in front of England boss Gareth Southgate.
Shakespeare’s exit after narrow losses to Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool underlines football’s ruthless nature.
He was hamstrung by the farce of Adrien Silva’s nonsigning and injury to new Spanish midfielder Vicente Iborra. But his decision not to start Gray regularly looks a bad one – and his alone.
Gray’s pace and ability to beat a man have been likened by Shakespeare’s successor Puel to his former protege Eden Hazard at Lille.
The hands-on French coach has made a big impression on the training ground with Gray. The youngster said: “It’s nice to get the contract all tied up and focus on playing more games.
“Gareth Southgate has selected some of the other under-21s, which is a good confidence boost for that squad. Hopefully I can remain consistent and get a call-up.
“I think the new manager can help me become a better player. I’m happy to be getting coached. At my age you’re always developing.
“He has put me in the starting eleven, talks to me throughout the game and I’ve instructions. It’s going well so far.
“You have seen the player Hazard has become after working with our manager.”
Puel’s training is not just benefiting Gray, but the entire Leicester team.
The counter-attacking champions of 2015-16 were noticeably better in possession at Stoke than they had been.
Algerian Riyad Mahrez, who Puel talks to in French, looks another main beneficiary.
And it was from a Mahrez corner that Leicester went ahead when Iborra lashed in. The impressive Spaniard went close with two other attempts.
Former PFA player of the year Mahrez put the visitors back in front after Xherdan Shaqiri’s first-half leveller.
But Potters substitute Peter Crouch’s header deservedly ensured a point for the hosts after a much-improved secondhalf display.
It was evergreen 36-year-old Crouch’s third of the season after coming off the bench – with the striker now desperate to start games.
Boss Mark Hughes said: “He needs to stay here. He’s unique in terms of what he gives us and obviously he’s still very adept at what he does.
“We will give him the games he needs here, without a shadow of a doubt.
“He’s playing well, I thought his general play was good, irrespective of the goal, a great goal he scored.
“He’s very effective and I know a lot of clubs would love to have Peter Crouch on their roster, so we’re pleased he’s here.
“We know how to deal with him, how to make sure he’s effective in terms of his preparation so there’s no reason for him to leave.”