Brendan Rodgers confident about Leicester City flop Kelechi Iheanacho

Brendan Rodgers has still not given up on Leicester City’s famous flop Kelechi Iheanacho.

The 22-year old is being criticised from the left and right, with Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr the latest to question his dedication and professionalism.

Iheanacho was not picked for the Super Eagles’ latest set of international fixtures after his terrible display last time around, throwing serious doubts over his character.

But Leicester boss Rodgers has launched a remarkable defence of the out of favour Iheanacho, stating that “he has shown a wonderful appetite and enthusiasm to get better”. He said:

"“When I saw him at Manchester City, he was always a young player that could come in and affect the game,” Rodgers said ahead of Bournemouth fixture. “Then he’s come here with a big price-tag.“From what I’ve seen in training and when I’ve spoken to him, he has shown a wonderful appetite and enthusiasm to get better.“We have a culture where we want to improve players and make them better and he’s responded very well to that.”"

Despite Rodgers’ good words for Iheanacho, he still hasn’t given the former Manchester City striker a proper run in the side – the Nigerian has only played seven minutes under him.

The main reason behind that has been Jamie Vardy’s mini-resurgence. He has been so good that Rodgers has not bothered to pick anyone else over him; however, the Foxes’ gaffer is certain that Iheanacho’s time will come. He just needs to be patient.

"“It’s difficult for him because he’s up against one of the best strikers in this league, in Jamie Vardy, so that’s always going to be difficult unless the system changes,” Rodgers continued.“But he’s a great boy to work with and he’ll want to play more I’m sure.“At this minute, it’s creating the confidence because he’s scoring goals in training and working very hard and adapting to how we want to play.“And I’m sure when the time comes, if he gets a chance to play consistently, he will take that chance.”"

Given the promise that Iheanacho showed with the Citizens, his time will surely come, though which colours will it come in is anyone’s guess.

Being young, he will fetch a decent sum in the transfer market (Everton might be interested?), so maybe Rodgers will sell him right away and get someone of his choice in – or someone who he likes more.

If he does want to keep Iheanacho, though, then we will see the striker get some time on the pitch soon before it is too late.