DANNY’S FOXES FEEL THE LOVE
EVERYEVERY KICK, KICK, EVERY EVERY GOAL, GOAL, EVERY EVERY GAME GAME Nation backing England’s last hope for semi-finals
DANNY DRINKWATER insists Leicester are heading into tomorrow’s Atletico Madrid clash on a high – and with the whole country behind them.
A battling first-leg display in Spain last week means the Foxes must overturn a 1-0 deficit if they are to reach the Champions League semi-finals.
Midfielder Drinkwater feels there is no reason why they shouldn’t claim a second La Liga scalp, after beating Sevilla in the last round, to join Europe’s top sides in the final four.
He said: “We’re a confident team. I think the result from Madrid has given us confidence and it’s 1-0, we’ve still got a chance in this game.
“How we played against Palace is not going to knock that, definitely not. And 1-0 away is a strong position for us. The same as 2-1 was away from home in Sevilla, we’re looking forward to it and we’ll be ready.
Direct
“I can’t wait. Everyone can’t wait for it. It’s a big chance for us and it’s a massive stage and I’m sure it’s going to be one of those games you wish you could play in when your career is over.”
And after capturing the imagination of the nation during last season’s fairy-tale title charge, Drinkwater believes Leicester can once again count on support from across the land.
He added: “As an English football fan, you’d probably back the only English team left in the Champions League – you’d hope so, anyway. I think I certainly would be, as a football fan.”
Leicester looked on course to complete the perfect warm-up when Robert Huth, who is suspended tomorrow, headed home from Christian Fuchs’ long-throw and Jamie Vardy
struck a superb second. The direct approach that brought both goals will have been noted by Atletico scouts, but so will the way Palace fought back for a point through second-half goals from Yohan Cabaye and Christian Benteke.
Drinkwater, though, believes Fuchs’ missiles can unsettle the Spaniards.
The England star said: “It might be something they are not used to, so that’s something we can use in our favour.
“It’s a weapon. It can sometimes be more accurate than a corner, so we’ll use it, definitely.”
Foxes boss Craig Shakespeare is keeping his fingers crossed that captain Wes Morgan can prove he has recovered from the back problem that has kept him out for a month for the clash at the King Power Stadium.
Meanwhile, Palace chief Sam Allardyce was pleased with his side’s fightback and singled out Andros Townsend for praise.
The winger set up Benteke’s equaliser and Big Sam said: “He seems to be enjoying his life again and enjoying his training and enjoying his game.
“He’s changed his attitude to believing in himself and performing to his very, very best.”
Townsend was left out by previous boss Alan Pardew after making it clear he wanted to play on the right.
But Allardyce added: “With the confidence he has, a wide man should not restrict himself by saying, ‘I can only play on this side’.
“Andros and Wilf Zaha switched over a couple of times and were a real big threat.” CRYSTAL PALACE (4-2-3-1): UP NEXT: LEICESTER (4-4-2): UP NEXT: Referee: Your turn: MARC ALBRIGHTON Worked tirelessly JOEL WARD Never looked comfortable