‘Jamie doesn’t look like he’s 35 in training’

JAMIE Vardy’s recent injury problems have not aged the Leicester City striker, with his performances in training far from that of a regular 35-year-old player, his team-mates have said.

Vardy could make just his second start of 2022 tonight, having been sidelined for nearly all of the calendar year so far with a hamstring strain and then a knee ligament injury.

Patson Daka and Kelechi Iheanacho have filled his boots manfully, but they do not compare to the number nine, full-back Timothy Castagne believes.

The Belgian said Vardy has looked spritely in training and needs only a knowing glance to set off on his bike.

“Jamie is a legend,” Castagne said. “He can score everywhere and find space so easily.

“Of course, I’m not throwing shade at Patson or Kele but with Vardy you just need one look with him and he’s gone.

“Hopefully, we don’t rush him either because if he gets injured that would not be good for us. He’s in a good place now.

“He still looks good even when you see him sprinting in training. You don’t think he’s 35. He still has that spring to him. Hopefully, we will see more of him.”

It is an opinion backed by fellow full-back Ricardo Pereira, who said: “It’s very good. Everyone knows his quality. We want to have every player fit and it’s another who’s come back and for sure we’ll be stronger with him.”

Vardy has yet to score in Europe this season for City. He has not played any of the Conference League knockout ties but did not net in any of the four Europa League group games he played.