Sven backs Yak

Leicester boss Sven-Goran Eriksson has challenged striker Yakubu to score to goals to fire the Foxes to the play-offs.

The Nigerian international ended his six-game goal draught in style at former club Middlesbrough on Saturday, hitting a hat-trick at the Riverside.

But his treble was not enough to hand City all three points as they surrendered a 94th-minute equaliser to seriously dent their top six hopes.

Striker Yakubu has admitted he wishes to make his stay at the Walkers permanent, but Eriksson insists it is dependent on the Foxes' promotion aspirations.

"I would guess that if, touch wood, we get into the play-offs and win, then it would be a very hot issue, but if not I doubt it will happen," he told the Leicester Mercury. "It is up to him. He has to score.

"I think he was brilliant today. He was very clever and lively, and a goalscorer. He is very important for us.

"If he doesn't score in one game, that is okay, but if he doesn't score in five or six then it gives us a problem. Now he is back scoring and I hope he stays like this for the rest of the season, and I think he will."

Eriksson handed a debut to fellow loanee Diomansy Kamara, and was impressed by the contributions of the Fulham striker.

"He could have scored in the first minute of both halves," Eriksson said.

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