SIXY BEAST

Puel: Jamie’s a great player who scores against the big teams..we’re lucky to have him as our inspiration

LEICESTER boss Claude Puel says that Jamie Vardy’s determination to prove himself against the best is an example to his team-mates.

The England striker completed another first last weekend when his goal against Manchester City made him the first player to net against Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, Spurs and City in the same season.

Since his top-flight debut in August 2014, Vardy has scored 23 goals against the big six, more than any other player.

Next in the striker’s sights are Sheffield United, who visit the King Power for tonight’s FA Cup fifth-round tie.

The 31-year-old, who as a boy supported Sheffield Wednesday, is desperate for more silverware after winning the title with Leicester (above) and then snubbing Arsenal to stay.

Boss Puel, exasperated by Manchester City’s January pursuit of Riyad Mahrez which saw the Algerian international go AWOL, says Vardy is a shining light.

“These goals against the great teams show his motivation against these teams and also his level, which is of a great player,” said the Frenchman (right, with Vardy).

“We are lucky to have him in the team. He is an example to others in the team.

“He always gives his best in every game and his hard work is rewarded by goals.

“Against Manchester City you do not get many chances but one ball was enough for him to score.”

It is almost 50 years since Leicester reached the FA Cup final but a home tie in the fifth round has Foxes fans dreaming of a trip to Wembley, especially with Arsenal and Liverpool already out of the competition.

They reached the fifth round last season but lost at Millwall. They also reached the fifth round in 2015 but crashed out to Aston Villa. A good Cup run in 2012 was ended at the quarter-final stage by Chelsea, who smashed them 5-2.

But with Vardy in redhot form, the signs are good this season.

Vardy’s goal in the 5-1 defeat at the Etihad was his 13th in the Premier League this season – now Puel is expecting more heroics from the former factory worker.

Puel added: “We cannot speak about Jamie like it is the end of his career. It has been fantastic so far but it is not finished.

“Against Manchester City it was a tough game for us but he was so hungry against them.

“He is an example to young people.”

LEICESTER: Hamer, Simpson, Maguire, Benalouane, Chilwell, Mahrez, Iborra, Silva, Gray, Diabate, Vardy.