Versatile Justin is helping to plug gaps

LEICESTER City may not have enjoyed such a successful start to the season had James Justin not been there to fill in so many gaps, writes Jordan Blackwell.

The versatile full-back, one of few players to come out of City’s 3-0 defeat to Liverpool with credit, has received praise from Brendan Rodgers for his versatility and attitude over the first couple of months of the campaign.

After Kasper Schmeichel and Youri Tielemans, Justin has been City’s most frequently-used player this season, starting every Premier League match in every position across the back-line amid a run of injuries in defence.

His performances have not gone unnoticed by Rodgers, who lauded him for filling in wherever he has been needed, helping City to make their best-ever start to a campaign before Sunday’s loss at Anfield.

“He’s been absolutely incredible, when I think he’s played at right-back, he’s played at left-back, he’s had to fill in at centre-half,” said Rodgers.

“He’s just a phenomenal boy who gives his all every game and is only going to get better and better playing in the Premier League. He’s a great athlete.

“We’re working on aspects of his game that need to improve but he plays in so many positions and has filled in so many gaps where the team has needed him.”

With Ricardo Pereira and Timothy Castagne on the comeback trail, Justin may face a fight for his place in the coming weeks.

Castagne is expected to come back into the squad for next Monday’s trip to Fulham, while Ricardo is also nearing first-team contention after his outing for the Under-23’s.