Sven: Vassell can put big-spenders to sword

Leicester manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has backed in-form striker Darius Vassell to cause problems against his former side when Manchester City visit the Walkers Stadium on Sunday.

Vassell has found the net twice in as many matches, and has impressed while leading the City line in recent matches.

Eriksson managed the former England man during his spell in charge of Leicester's FA Cup opponents, and says the striker hasn't lost any ability since.

"When he signed for us he hadn't trained at all, but now he is 100 per cent fit and showing good form," Eriksson said.

"He is as good today as he was at Manchester City. He hasn't lost his pace. He is not tall but very strong and when he gets the ball and turns things happen around him.

"It is not easy to play against him because you never know what is going to happen.

"He is strong and quick. He can keep the ball but he is even better when he spins and can run in behind, he is very good at that."

Vassell spent four years at Manchester City from 2005-09, but was eventually deemed surplus to requirements when the club began its major overhaul.

Eriksson conceded that a back problem was troubling the 30-year-old, however, and has admitted that the issue must be sorted sooner rather than later.

"He has some back problems every now and then and if you had asked me on Sunday if he was a doubt to play against Swansea I would have said yes," he said.

"He was doubtful even for Hull. He could hardly walk after leaving training before that game. It has to be sorted sooner rather than later."

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