Tunchev Ready For Battle

The euphoric applause which greeted the return of Aleksander Tunchev on Tuesday evening at the Walkers Stadium mas not merely out of sheer politeness. The Bulgarian's superb League One season last year has helped him achieve cult status around Filbert Way over the past 14 months since joining from CSKA Sofia in his homeland.

A cruciate ligament injury in January at Crystal Palace last season meant Tunchev missed Leicester's impressive run-in to league victory, whilst rehabilitating himself for life back on the pitch in the months inbetween.

Tunchev has recently declared himself delighted to be back in the fold after a frustrating eight months out on the sidelines, telling the offical site: 'I was happy to be back. This was the first game for me in the league although I had played 90 minutes at Preston in the cup game and for the reserves, but it is very different so I am delighted to have played for the first team again in the league.'

Tunchev will also be eyeing a return to the Bulgarian national first team, after being told he must be playing regular football with City in order to win back his place in the side.

His return to a first team starting berth could arrive sooner rather than later however, after an impressive second half performance on Tuesday evening. With current first choice centre back Wayne Brown at fault for two goals in successive matches, the Bulgarian is in line to start against Watford at Vicarage Road on Saturday.

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