FIGHTING FOXES

Brendan’s sights only on Chelsea

LEICESTER boss Brendan Rodgers insists he is not even thinking about Manchester United in the chase for a Champions League spot.

The Foxes will keep their eyes firmly fixed in front to try to hunt down third-placed Chelsea.

Leicester’s chaotic 4-1 defeat by struggling Bournemouth was followed by the news that fifth place will no longer be a Champions League lifeline following Manchester City’s reprieve from a potential European ban.

Their indifferent form has seen a 14-point cushion at the turn of the year evaporate.

Leicester face United at home in the last match of the season in what could be a winnertakes-all shootout for a place with Europe’s elite.

Rodgers prepares his side for tonight’s home clash with Sheffield United adamant he will never question the fighting spirit in his side and their determination to try to see the job through.

He said: “I’ve always been looking at Chelsea. We look forward, we will always be hunting.”

Sheffield United still have plenty to go for too, but Rodgers added: “It’s a game we have to win. We have to stay calm.

“The players came back into training after Bournemouth with a really positive attitude and looking forward to the challenge. One thing this team can do is dig deep. There will be twists and turns but you can’t worry about where you’ll finish.

“We’ve played most of the season with joy, so the message is, ‘Don’t overthink it.’

“I have no doubt about this squad’s ability to fight. We’re still in a first-class position.”

Ben Osborn claims Sheffield United players can dig out their passports if they win tonight. Chris Wilder’s Blades are still pushing to qualify for Europe for the first time in the club’s 131-year history and Osborn knows the clash with Leicester is key to their chances.

He said: “They’re fighting for the Champions League but if we can go there and come out with a result, I think, ‘Why not?’

“After that, it could potentially be ours to lose. This is massive and we’ll just go from there.”

Leicester have won just once since the restart and Osborn claims there is more pressure on Rodgers’ side because they have been in the top places for most of the season.

“I feel on the balance of things, there’s definitely a little more pressure on them,” he added.

“They’re fighting for the Champions League places, which they have been in touch with all season.

“They’ve probably not come back out as they would have liked to, so I think there will be a bit more of a demand and pressure on them.”