IN HUNT FOR CITY SAYS RANIERI
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“He is lean and has a fantastic spring.
“His speed got him out of a lot of trouble and, although we lost the game 1-0 to a late Charleroi goal, we all agreed he could be a big player for the team.
“We all felt midfield would be a chance on Saturday or in other matches. In this match I rest some others and hope on Saturday they will be very charged to do a good match as well as the players who will play in Porto.
“If we had to win maybe all my players would be here. But now we have to also think about the Premier League and I can choose. There are some players who didn’t play so far, but they deserve their chance to show their potential.
“Porto will be a good match and then Saturday will be another fantastic match probably be where he could be most effective. He has blossomed after my successor Peter Maes decided to move him there.”
Ndidi’s unbelievable volley against Club Brugge in April was voted Belgian goal of the season.
As well as Ndidi at Genk, Mcleish also helped nurture Kara Mbodji, Christian Kabasele and Sergej Milinkovic-savic, who were all sold profitably to Anderlecht, Watford and Lazio respectively.
Genk’s successful production line also saw chief scout Janssen poached by Manchester United last month.
Mcleish added: “I have always promoted kids since my days at Rangers, Motherwell and Hibs.
“Some of them don’t quite make it as there is a high attrition rate but, when you see the ones who do, it gives you great satisfaction.
“To see the progress Ndidi has made since is brilliant and he has had a great year at Genk.” against another big team.” Leicester’s feats last season ensured global acclaim for Vardy, Mahrez and Ranieri, who were all shortlisted for numerous awards.
Ranieri (right) is one of three remaining contenders for the FIFA men’s coach of the year award, along with Real Madrid’s Zinedine Zidane and Portugal boss Fernando Santos. Yet it has not stopped a minority of fans criticising him, given their club’s League woes.
But the Italian insists he does not fear the sack and still has the support of the club’s Thai owners. Ranieri, 65, added: “Never I worry. My experience says it is important to stay calm, believe in your players and try and do the best for the team. The owner is always behind us, he is always positive.
“Of course he’s not happy, no-one at the club is. We know we did something amazing last season and this season we are paying for that. But we know how to resolve this problem – stay together, don’t listen to the criticism, believe in ourselves and we will come out of this bad moment.”