Kelechi Iheanacho happy to play second fiddle to Jamie Vardy at Leicester

Kelechi Iheanacho believes Jamie Vardy is one of the best strikers in the world and insisted he is happy to play a supporting role at Leicester.

The former Manchester City forward registered his first Premier League goal since September 2018 in Sunday’s last-gasp 2-1 win over Everton.

He had already set up Vardy to score his 13th goal of the season and net in his sixth straight game.

Vardy is the Premier League’s leading scorer this term and now has 93 top-flight goals to his name, with Iheanacho believing he is world class.

“He is a top lad and a top striker in the world, everyone knows,” Iheanacho said.

“I am playing with him in training and watching him which inspires me as well.

“I will keep going. We can play as two strikers or we can play one striker as well.

“It depends on how the manager wants to play and set up the squad and everyone is important. We need everyone.”

Iheanacho was Sergio Aguero’s understudy at City before his £25million move to the Foxes in 2017.

He has scored just five Premier League goals, managing 16 starts, having played second fiddle behind Vardy.

Sunday’s injury-time goal, confirmed by VAR after he was initially flagged offside, came in his first top-flight appearance this term but Iheanacho remains content.

“Being, maybe you can call it, a back-up striker or support striker to them is something I am happy to be,” said the 23-year-old.

“Of course I could get my chance, it depends on what the manager wants to do.

“But at Man City and here I am really happy playing with those calibre of strikers because they are experienced and top strikers in the world.”

Despite his lack of action and goals, Iheanacho insisted he never considered quitting the King Power Stadium.

“No I am happy here, everyone is happy,” he said. “The manager is a top manager who is friendly to everyone.

“I don’t see the reason why anyone could want to leave. I think he gives everyone chances, there are a lot of games coming up.

“I believe in myself if I get the chance. It happens in football, sometimes you can face trying times or sometimes you can play.

“It is a time I have to face in my life and just have to keep going. I just have to keep my confidence and be strong.”

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