Rodgers backs Iheanacho to fill in for Vardy

 

By Taofeek Babalola

 

Super Eagles forward Kelechi Iheanacho has been tipped to fill in for Jamie Vardy when Leicester visit Brentford in the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday.

Leicester Boss Brendan Rodgers has revealed that Vardy, who has 13 goals in all competitions this season, will be out "for a few weeks" to have a minor hernia operation.

Iheanacho’s three goals for Leicester this season came in the Europa League as Nigerian international has fallen down the pecking order since Rodgers took charge of the club.

Rodgers admitted that Vardy would be missed by the club but he insisted that Iheanacho and Ayoze Perez are good strikers who can fill the void in his absence.

"We always try to rely on the collective, the group has always been able to find results," said Rodgers.

"When you don't have one of the best striker's in the league around, it's disappointing. I've got other great strikers - Ayoze Perez and Kelechi Iheanacho."

The Foxes will also be without defender Wes Morgan and midfielder Dennis Praet.

Championship side Brentford will be without top scorer Ivan Toney, who is suspended.

Leicester boss Rodgers insisted his team would cope without Vardy.

Toney is suspended after being sent off in stoppage time during Brentford's win over Luton Town.

The Bees, who have not lost in the league since 24 October, were playing their first Championship game of 2021 because of a Covid-19 outbreak.

They beat Middlesbrough in the third round to reach this stage of the competition, having also made it to the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup this season.