Kelechi Iheanacho’s surprise second-half strike broke League Two Walsall’s resistance and sent Leicester into the FA Cup fifth round, Sunday PUNCH reports.
The Nigerian scored his 17th goal in 23 FA Cup appearances – since Iheanacho made his debut in the competition in 2016, deflecting off Brandon Comley and past Saddlers keeper Owen Evans in the 68th minute from five appearances. Minutes after replacing Patson Daka.
The Foxes won back-to-back 1-0s against their League Two opposition in the FA Cup this season, with the Nigerian striker quickly becoming an FA Cup specialist as he scored the winner on both occasions.
Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers will be hoping Iheanacho can repeat the trick by helping his side reach Wembley and stay in the Premier League.
“The last time he did this, we won the FA Cup, so hopefully it’s a harbinger,” Rodgers said.
“There have been a couple of things for him (Iheanacho) off the field that we have had to manage but he has been doing well.
Rodgers also promised the 25-year-old will now get more game time in the absence of the injured Jamie Vardy and Daka.
“He will get more playing time with Jamie Vardy out for a few weeks,” Rodgers continued.
“He had a big impact and some players have that ability coming off the bench. He scores when he has the chance. Since I’ve been here, he’s had a big impact on the competition.
“He scores when he has a chance. Since I’ve been here, he’s had a big impact on the competition.”
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