Gillingham 0-1 Leicester: FA Cup player ratings

Jamie Vardy – 7

Jamie Vardy’s inclusion in the starting XI was something of a surprise, until it was noticed that Patson Daka had returned to the match day squad after the injury he sustained at Anfield against Liverpool. The Foxes legend has been reduced to few appearances than he might have expected this season with his Zambian teammate being often preferred by Brendan Rodgers.

Vardy was bright in this game, showing bursts of the speed that Foxes followers have become used to throughout his decade at the King Power, although this part of his game is clearly becoming less prevalent as he approaches his 36th birthday next week.

It may have only been a small touch, but his glance towards Iheanacho for the winning goal goes down as an assist. Vardy could be involved again at St James’ Park in 72 hours’ time, with the strength of the side Rodgers might put out for that quarter-final still not clear.

Kelechi Iheanacho – 8

By far the Foxes’ brightest member today was Vardy’s strike partner, Kelechi Iheanacho. Of the three main attacking options available to the City manager, the Nigerian is by the most underused, partly due to the formation that he likes to play with.

Rodgers does not see Iheanacho as a suitable option for the lone striker role, despite his hold up play improving drastically since his arrival at the club, but the system deployed today allowed for a two-up-top system, and the No.14 thrived.

It might have been from close range, but the angle and pace at which the ball came to him meant Iheanacho’s match-winning goal was not easy. The top corner was struck nonetheless, and Leicester City progressed to the 4th round.