Foxes can make history, says boss Rodgers

BRENDAN Rodgers has urged his Leicester players to create history in the FA Cup final at Wembley this evening, writes Nick Mashiter.

The Foxes face Chelsea in their first FA Cup final in 52 years and are yet to win the trophy. The club has lost their previous four finals, the last coming against Manchester City in 1969, and Rodgers knows the Foxes can leave a legacy.

He said: “We have earned the right to be in the final and we will arrive with an opportunity to make our own history. We feel we’re in with a chance and if we can play to our level we have a great chance.

“We have watched it (the Cup final) all through our lives, to be able to lead Leicester out for the first time in 50-odd years will be a real privilege for me.

“These weeks you always have to stay calm. This is a game where you can create an incredible legacy, you write your own stories.

“We have the same preparation (as other games). The consequence of the game is greater than others. but you don’t need to magnify an FA Cup final to raise any levels of anxiety.”

Jonny Evans, pictured, faces a race against time to make the final having missed the last two games with a persistent heel problem.

The defender came off in the warm up against Newcastle earlier this month, but Rodgers will give him as long as possible to prove his fitness for this evening’s game.

The manager continued: “He has progressed really well. He looked very good and we’ll see what the reaction is after that and make the final decision.

“It’s just a discussion between myself and Jonny, you always have to speak to the players and Jonny is a warrior. If there is any way he can play – even if he is not 100 per cent – he will be out there.

“It’s going to be a physical game, so we need good physicality and running ability, if that’s hindered in it may make it difficult for him.”

Harvey Barnes, James Justin and Wes Morgan will all miss the game.