VARD TO BEAR
Puel hits back at critics
CLAUDE PUEL has hit back at the snipers giving him grief over Jamie Vardy.
England hitman Vardy is set to start for Leicester against Wolves today after only being given a bit-part in the season opener at Manchester United.
The Foxes’ most potent weapon came on for the last half hour at Old Trafford and scored in the 2-1 defeat.
But Leicester boss Puel has rounded on his critics, including Sky TV pundits Charlie Nicholas and Phil Thompson, after they questioned how he could start World Cup star Harry Maguire but not his cult hero and prolific marksman.
Vardy seems certain to be thrown to the Wolves today – but Puel insists it won’t be because of any of the criticism hurled his way.
He said: “The day these former players manage or train they will understand the job. You consider all things. It’s normal to take advice from the medical staff. When a defender starts, he can manage his runs behind.
“When you play up front, you have to always give 100 per cent in your runs, in the repetition of the runs and we need also freshness to finish and to score.
“Jamie scored against United. Perhaps because he came on with good freshness to give a boost to the team. I have to consider all the team and all the possibilities.”
Puel says he is looking for players to help fill the gap left by the £60m departure of Riyad Mahrez – and young gun Demarai Gray hopes he can be the man.
Gray said: “It’s time I take the next step in my game. I’m 22 now and I’m maturing as a player and as a person.
“I don’t want to be watching England from the pub, I want to be at the next Euros and at the next World Cup.
“That’s my next target and to do that I’ve got to keep working on my game here at Leicester and performing.”
Gray said they know the problems that newly-promoted Wolves could pose today, adding: “They are a very good team.
“They keep the ball very well. We know it won’t be easy against them and we know what to expect.”