Claudio Ranieri praises "fantastic" Jamie Vardy

Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri has acknowledged the importance of striker Jamie Vardy after his side's 2-2 draw against Southampton.

The England international scored twice as the Foxes came from 2-0 down to take a point from St Mary's, and the Italian believes that Vardy was vital in getting his side back in the game.

The 63-year-old told reporters: "Jamie Vardy is important for us, if I was a player I would think 'Oh, Jamie can score, Jamie can score' and this is important. He's got good stamina, and it's good to think during the match 'Jamie can score'.

"Jamie in the Championship scored 16 goals, last season he (experienced) the Premier League, a lot of confidence he took with the (England) national team, and now maybe he's more sure, more confident.

"He's fantastic. He ran a lot, pressed a lot, but also at the right moment was very, very clear to choose the best solution."

Leicester remain in fifth in the Premier League and face Crystal Palace at home next weekend.