Maguire hopes push for Europe can help force Southgate’s hand

Leicester City may be well clear of the relegation dogfight, but Harry Maguire believes the club still have a great deal to play for.

The 25-year-old is targeting success on personal, club and international levels having played a prominent role in Gareth Southgate’s most recent international party.

He was again impressive at the heart of the Leicester defence as they won at Brighton to remain in the hunt for European football. “I’m pleased with my form. I’ve managed to play every minute in the league, so on a personal level, it’s been a good season and I hope I can continue,” said the defender.

“It’s only my second year in the Premier League and I’m a young player trying to learn. It helps me playing alongside experienced players and with Kasper [Schmeichel] behind me.”

Maguire is feeling refreshed for the final seven games of the season, during which time he hopes to achieve European qualification with Leicester, as well as World Cup selection.

“It would be a massive thing. You can see in the Premier League, at the moment, the top teams play in their little league and the others are playing in another league, and to finish top of the bottom league would be massive for a club like ours.”

Southgate favouring a three-man defence has benefited Maguire and he admitted Russia is very much on his mind. “We have got seven big games here and, if I keep performing well, and we finish where we want to finish, it will only help me to get into the squad.”

Defeat for Brighton was costly in a game they dominated – Glenn Murray missed a penalty at 0-0 – but it is not terminal. Victory at home to Huddersfield Town on Saturday would see them effectively safe from relegation and Chris Hughton remains upbeat about their chances.

“It is in our hands, that’s true,” said the manager. “You don’t want to have to rely on any other team. We have a home game against Huddersfield and it’s our responsibility and our opportunity to get three points.”