THAT’S JUST FOR STARTERS
Demarai’s pledge to Rodgers
DEMARAI GRAY netted the opener in front of watching new boss Brendan Rodgers then admitted he can’t wait to start work under the departed Celtic gaffer.
Leicester saw off battling Brighton to kick- start the Rodgers era with victory.
Gray and Jamie Vardy earned the Foxes a first win since New Year’s Day, despite the visitors’ dogged persistence.
Rodgers, who signed a threeand- a- half- year deal after sensationally exiting Parkhead to join just in time for the start of the game, watched from the stands and would have been encouraged with what he saw.
And Leicester ace Gray said: “We knew this was a big game so I was glad to contribute and hopefully we can take this into Saturday.
“We’re all looking forward to working with the new manager.
“I’ve watched him manage a lot of top sides and what he has done with young players has been b good especially.
“As a club we’ve got a good balance b of experienced players and a good young players so we’re looking l forward to starting.”
Leicester caretaker manager Mike M Stowell added to the good vibes v with Rodgers arriving.
He said: “We’ve got a great environment e here with good staff s and good owners so it’ll be
a great place for Brendan. He’s given the players a boost by saying he’s excited to get started.
“He’s got great experience working with young players and we’ve got plenty.
“He has a presentation to show them what he expects so I look forward to seeing that too.”
Leicester had lost seven of their previous nine outings but dug in against a determined Brighton side to rise to 11th.
The Seagulls, meanwhile, remain in relegation danger and sit just three points above the drop zone.
Rodgers, replacing the sacked Claude Puel, was given a rapturous welcome when he took his seat and his new side were eager to impress early.
And they got the opener when Youri Tielemans slipped Gray through and the England Under-21 international fired under Mat Ryan from 16 yards.
The Seagulls should have levelled when Pascal Gross’s backheel in the box found Glenn Murray who fired over with the goal at his mercy.
And their hopes of a comeback were dented in the 63rd minute when Vardy smashed home his ninth goal of the season.
Davy Propper’s low drive pulled one back for Brighton but Leicester held on to bring a smile to Rodgers’ face.