Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri has suggested that Shinji Okazaki will go on to be an important player for the club this season.

The Japanese striker bagged his first goal in a Foxes shirt since his summer move from Mainz on Saturday, as he helped his new club to a 3-2 pre-season win at Birmingham City.

Ranieri has admitted that Okazaki's finishing ability makes him a dangerous opponent.

"It is important to feel good and, for strikers, goals are very important. He played very well when he came on. He was very impressive," the Italian told the Leicester Mercury.

"It was amazing, he took the ball, he played between the line, he played as a striker. And he smells the goal in the box, which is important for us."

Leicester open up their Premier League season with a home match against Sunderland on Saturday.

Written by
Steven Toplis