Evans takes over captaincy from Schmeichel

JONNY Evans has been named Leicester City’s new captain with manager Brendan Rodgers branding the Northern Irish defender the natural successor to Kasper Schmeichel, writes Jordan Blackwell.

Evans, who was vice-captain to Schmeichel last season, will wear the armband for the new season following the goalkeeper’s move to Nice this week.

Rodgers said the centre-back is a player who commands “huge respect” from the City changing

room.

“Jonny represents the collective standards and values of these players and what they stand for,” Rodgers told yesterday’s press conference.

“He has huge respect in the changing room for what he’s achieved and how he behaves on a day-to-day basis. He’s the natural guy to step forward now Kasper has left.”

However, Rodgers has not yet decided on a vice-captain who can support Evans and wear the armband when the centre-back is not available. He says he will come to a decision on that next week.

There are plenty of candidates, with Jamie Vardy and Youri Tielemans captaining the club on previous occasions.

James Maddison and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall have also been praised for their leadership qualities.

Rodgers said: “We’ll look to that next week, we’ll open that out and we’ll tell you next week.”

The manager also praised departing captain Schmeichel, saying: “He’s a true icon of the club.

“On the pitch, he was a colossal player for the club, and he’s been a part of all the great successes over the past 11 years here.

“A real good guy off the field and I don’t say that lightly.

“His passion for the game, his determination. His service here was immense.

“I’ll miss him, the players will miss him. He’s gone for a new adventure for him and his family now, it’s a three-year deal in the south of France, to a new project, and he’ll really enjoy that experience.”