THE TROT Brendan backs stars SHEARER TV TIPS TOP FOR to get even better BARNES

SEVEN wins on the spin have shot Leicester into contention at the top of the Premier League – and boss Brendan Rodgers is sure his team will be in the second half of the season. It is a powerful, ‘You ain’t seen nothing yet,’ message to reinforce growing belief the Foxes can break into the top four.

“Usually, in the second half of a season, my team improves because they know my methods and process,” said Rodgers, who signed a new five-year deal on Friday.

“My teams at Swansea, Liverpool and Celtic did that, they kept improving and that’s the idea here too.

“It’s a very competitive league with clubs way above our wealth but we are in there and we are fighting.

“I don’t set traps for players or pressurise them with targets. But they know we have to constantly improve.” Leicester are second in the league after 15 games, the third highest scorers and have by far the most solid defence with just nine goals conceded.

If they can make improvements in the new year like Rodgers suggests then they will undoubtedly be title challengers.

Why is he convinced it will happen? He has total belief in his football philosophy and a style of play that is ‘best for the top level of the game.’

“I think improvement happens because we are systematic in our work,” said Rodgers, whose side go to Midlands rivals Aston Villa this afternoon.

“It’s very clear and simple here. Each day you look to get better and you try to give that mindset to the players.

“They have been amazing in their attitude and energy and have created a really strong culture.

“When I came in the idea was to see if we could impose this model of work – and ultimately the quicker the players can take it on board the quicker we can succeed.”

One secret of Leicester’s rise may be the decision of the manager to undertake a pre-season at home rather than jet half way across the world.

Rodgers said: “I felt it was important not to do so much travelling.

“You lose so much when you are flying around. We could do a lot more work with the players. It is important when you are trying to impose your methods.”

The Leicester boss has long been a disciple of the Barcelona style of possession football, quick passing and pressing opponents.

But equally important for him is getting the basics of defence right.

Many pundits thought Leicester would suffer when they sold their star centre-back Harry Maguire in the summer for a world-record transfer fee for a defender.

Instead they have been the brick wall of the Premier League – a huge factor in their success.

“It’s very easy to explain why our defensive record is good,” said Rodgers.

“Most people will focus on our attacking philosophy but we have a defensive philosophy that is based around pressing and denying other teams space.

“It’s working in tandem with the attack so that the team is synchronised.

“For that you need players with top-level concentration and a determination not to concede goals.

“Caglar Soyuncu coming in has been great but we are based around the collective.

“It is about the team. Defending starts at the front and we have an attacking three and a midfield three who work very, very hard.”

HARVEY BARNES believes it is just a matter of time before Alan Shearer’s advice pays off.

The Leicester City winger (below) was the subject of a brutal critique by the Premier League’s greatest goalscorer nine months ago after wasting too many chances – and those words haven’t been forgotten. Barnes said: “I’ve taken what he said on board.

“I don’t think you can ignore advice like that from a person with his finishing ability.”

Leicester are on a roll – victory at Villa Park would set a club record for successive triumphs in the top-flight, eclipsing the seven-match run set back in 1963.

Barnes added: “You can see we are just enjoying it. We’re on a great run of games, so there’s no way you can’t.”