Rodgers may turn to one of his trusted lieutenants

BRENDAN Rodgers could turn to one of his “pillars of the team” for tomorrow’s FA Cup quarter-final with Manchester United, writes Jordan Blackwell.

As has been the case on a few occasions during his near-seven years at the club, Marc Albrighton has been out of the starting line-up in recent weeks.

But as so often happens, he is becoming the man the manager turns to after proving his value.

Albrighton has come on as a substitute in the past four matches, unable to displace either Ricardo Pereira or Timothy Castagne in either of the wing-back roles.

But after setting up the winner at Brighton, and then helping City add four more to their tally against Sheffield United, including an assist for Ayoze Perez, he is expected to get a call-up this weekend.

Ricardo is injured, leaving space for Albrighton, above, to come into the side, and Rodgers could not praise the title-winner higher.

“He’s been brilliant, invaluable,” Rodgers said. “He’s such an important player for us in the squad.

“You see what he brings, he brings an honesty, he brings an intensity, and he brings a quality to the game.

“Whether he’s asked to start or come into a game, or whatever position he plays, he’s so reliable.

“He’s a great guy, one of the real pillars of this team. He trains like it’s the last day he’s going to train every single day.

“I’ve loved working with him, he’s a real good man.

“I’ve always had a good open relationship with him, he’s always known where he’s stood.

“Whether he’s played or not played, he’s been a real positive influence.

“You saw last week he came in, he was very creative and did very well. Let’s see what he can do going forward.”

With the contracts of Christian Fuchs and Wes Morgan expiring, Albrighton may be one of only four title-winners left at the club come next year, along with Kasper Schmeichel, Jamie Vardy, and Daniel Amartey.