Claudio Ranieri tells Jamie Vardy to stick with Leicester if he wants Euro 2016 success



Vardy is Europe's in-form striker, making him the subject of widespread transfer speculation

CLAUDIO RANIERI has told Jamie Vardy that staying with Leicester will give him his best chance of making Euro 2016.

 

The Italian believes the in-form striker should ignore transfer speculation and stick with the Foxes to showcase his talents to England boss Roy Hodgson.

The 28-year-old, who faces a late fitness test ahead of tomorrow's trip to Newcastle, has been linked with moves to Premier League big-boys after forcing his way into Hodgson's squad.

But Ranieri said: "Jamie and his agent say he is very happy here. We want to grow up together, and I hope we can continue all together."

 

And, asked whether staying put was Vardy's best hope of making the Euros, the Italian said: "Of course. He's intelligent, he knows that very well. At Leicester, there's a very good group.

"That's good for him and the other players to show they have quality in this team.

"Maybe next season they could choose the best solution, but then they have to see also where Leicester is at the end of the season."

 



Vardy is an injury doubt for Saturday but his manager says he won't take any risks

Vardy would equal Ruud van Nistelrooy's record of scoring in 10 consecutive Premier League appearances if he nets at St James' Park.

But the Premier League has confirmed the record would still count even if Vardy missed tomorrow's game but scored in his next appearance.

Ranieri said: "I hope he is available. I speak every time with the doctor, the physio, if they tell me he is OK 100 per cent, he plays, if not, I don't want to risk any player - not just Jimmy - for one match and then lose him for a month.

 

"Hopefully he will play. It is not my decision, it is the doctors' decision. At the moment everything is okay. There is no pain and no injection so far, that is important."

Leicester have won their last three Premier League matches and are third in the table just a point behind joint leaders Manchester City and Arsenal. Long-term absentee Matty James is their only other injury doubt.