RANIERI RELIEVED TO AVOID DERBY CUP EXIT
RELEGATION-BATTLING FOXES HIT BACK FOR REPLAY AGAINST DERBY, ADDING TO CONGESTION
Leicester City boss Claudio Ranieri is not worried about fixture congestion despite last night’s draw at Derby County leaving his side with anFACupreplay.
With the Premier League champions fighting to maintain their top-flight status and the Champions League set to resume next month, arguablythelastthingLeicester needed was another game.
Butthatiswhattheyface after Wes Morgan’s late header levelled it up at 2-2.
Thetwosidesmustdoitall overagainonFebruary8,during a month when Ranieri’s team face Manchester United, relegation rivals Swansea, Sevilla and Liverpool, but the Italian would rather that than be out of the FA Cup.
“More game is not more stress, no. I think it would have been more stressful to lose tonight,” said Ranieri.
“It was very important (not to lose), important for our confidence. We fight a lot, there is another match and it is okay. I am satisfied.
“It was an opportunity for some players to show their quality. I am very happy with their attitude and character.”
Morgan, the former Nottingham Forest defender, headed home with three minutes remaining when it looked like Craig Bryson’s lovely individual goal just before half-time would send the Leicester crashing out.
Earlier in the first half, former Sunderland striker Darren Bent scored at both ends, presenting Leicester the lead with a bizarre own goal before making amends with a glancing header.
For the own goal, he sliced his attempted goal line clearance into the net after Robert Huth’s header struck Chris Baird and bounced towards the net.
Ranieri said: “The first shot they score and the second shot they score again. In the second half we were better and created chances but the ball didn’t want to go in the goal and in the end we deservedly equalise.”
While Ranieri did not mind the replay, Derby boss Steve McClaren would rather the tie had been settled on the night.
The Rams were within touching distance of round five, but McClaren was proud of how his Championship promotion hopefuls pushed the champions all the way.
He said: “It was a cracking game, what a cup tie and what an atmosphere. I’m just disappointed we didn’t win.
“I’m so proud of the play- ers. That was a damn good Leicester side, the Leicester side of last season – hard to beat and quick on the transition – and we drew.
“Nobody wanted the draw, both teams tried to win it. We showed great character after going behind but we dug in and it would have been nice if we’d hung on.
“We could’ve had a penalty at the end, but I’m so proud. We have to do it again in two weeks.”
Former Sunderland leftback Blair Adams, 25, has joined Scottish Premiership club Hamilton on an 18-month contract after leaving Cambridge United.
Barnsley have signed Leeds midfielder Alex Mowatt on a two-and-a-halfyear deal, while Nottingham Forest have taken Benfica midfielder Joao Teixeira on loan. He was on loan at Wolves earlier this term.
Rochdale have signed Middlesbrough left-back Mark Kitching, 21, on loan.