Claudio Ranieri defends Jamie Vardy after Alan Shearer criticism

Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri has taken responsibility for Jamie Vardy's lack of impact against Chelsea on Saturday.

Vardy was criticised by former England forward Alan Shearer, who claimed that the striker needed to work harder in order to end his run without a goal, but Ranieri has said that last season's top goalscorer was working to a tactical plan which did not pay off.

The Italian is quoted by Sky Sports News as saying: "I think ex-players can say everything. Shearer is a fantastic scorer but some months you can score, some months you can't.

"If he's speaking about Chelsea I told Jamie to stay with David Luiz. I wanted to give a point of reference to my players, counter-attack and leave him with David Luiz - not his fault, it's mine maybe.

"It's important he stays calm, keeps his strength and he will score a goal."

Vardy has scored three times in all competitions this season but he has not hit the back of the net in seven games.