Puel has a pop back at TV pundits

CLAUDE PUEL has hit back at the snipers giving him grief over Jamie Vardy.

England striker Vardy is set to start for Leicester against Wolves today after only being given a bit-part in the season opener at Manchester United.

The Foxes’ most potent weapon came on for the last half hour at Old Trafford and helped himself to a goal in the 2-1 defeat.

But Leicester manager Puel has rounded on his critics, including Sky TV pundits Charlie Nicholas and Phil Thompson. They questioned how he could start World Cup hero Harry Maguire but not his prolific marksman.

Puel said: “The day these former players manage or train they will understand the job. It’s normal to take advice from the medical staff.

“When a defender starts he can manage his runs behind.

“When you play up front you have to always give 100 per cent in your runs, in the repetition of the runs and we need also freshness to finish and to score.

“Jamie scored against United – perhaps because he came on with good freshness to give a boost to the team.”

Puel says he is looking for players to help fill the gap left by the £60m departure of Riyad Mahrez to Manchester City, and young gun Demarai Gray is hoping he can be the man.

Gray said: “I think it’s time I take the next step into my game. I’m 22 now and I’m maturing as a player and as a person. I don’t