This is Kelechi Iheanacho’s time — Brendan Rodgers

Brendan Rodgers says Kelechi Iheanacho can become Leicester City’s main man now that Jamie Vardy is slowing down.

Rodgers admits the Nigerian deserves more playing time than he’s got in the last few seasons, and then attributed his little playing time to the presence of Vardy.

With Iheanacho now back in the side, and scoring regularly, Brendan Rodgers believes this can be his moment.

“He’s been outstanding,” Brendan Rodgers said. “He’s a player that’s been really unfortunate Jamie Vardy is a legend of the Premier League and this club and since I came in here, he’s been sort of the focal point really of the team. But of course, time moves on and it’s about managing Jamie now.

“Obviously for Kels with the players now that we have in, it really suits his game, how he links the game and so on. He’s at a prime age, so this can be his moment. He just needs to keep the level, the consistency and keep working hard. I’m delighted for him.

The former Manchester City forward has contributed seven goals in the last three games in all competition.

“He’s a threat, and he’s horrible to play against if you’re a centre-half because he’s so strong. He’s done great.”

Despite such limited playing time throughout the season, Iheanacho has managed to deliver when he’s called upon, and Rodgers says that’s testament to how well he works at Seagrave during the week.

“You can’t come into the Premier League if you’re not training hard every day, it’s a league where you just can’t do it,” Rodgers said. “If he was going through the motions in training then he wouldn’t have the impact that he does.

“It’s a real tribute to his professionalism and how hard he’s worked. Now we have the balance in the team that really highlights his qualities,” He concluded.