Claude has got no Vard feelings

BANNED: Jamie Vardy CLAUDE PUEL says he won’t try to tame the tiger lurking within star striker Jamie Vardy.

Leicester boss Puel revealed he is not angry with his ace marksman for the reckless challenge which counts him out for three games – starting at Southampton today.

The England international was red carded last week for his lunge at Wolves defender Matt Doherty.

Vardy is also sidelined for the midweek Carabao Cup clash against former club Fleetwood and next weekend’s game against Liverpool.

Leicester can ill afford to be without their one-man goal machine but Puel says his side can cope and he has refused to blow his top over the moment of madness.

Puel said: “I think he needs to keep that character and fighting spirit because it’s the most important thing for him.

Angry

“Perhaps last week it was a bit too much and too dynamic but we cannot change him and we don’t want to change his character. I want him to continue like this.”

The Foxes boss believes half the reason Vardy scores at will is because of his aggressive streak.

Puel added: “I cannot be angry with Jamie because in the game he gives his best, always with good spirit and he brings a lot of good attitude to his team-mates.

“It is difficult. His absence hurts us, of course because he is a valuable player but we cannot play all season with just one striker and one player with a possibility to score.

“It is a good opportunity to develop and give responsibility to other players.”

Vardy’s enforced absence paves the way for £25m Kelechi Iheanacho to try and earn a run in the team.

Puel added: “I was happy with Iheanacho’s progress at the end of the season. He played very well.”

Iheanacho has scored in pre-season and Puel also has Shinji Okazaki back in the reckoning after injury.

“Okay, we lost Jamie for three games but it will be a good opportunity to give responsibility to other players,” added Puel.

“We need to have players always ready to take someone’s place because it will be a long season.”