Return To Action Pleases St. Ledger

The Foxes’ Republic of Ireland international centre-back was originally named among the substitutes for the game against the Seasiders.

But when Ritchie De Laet withdrew from the warm-up through back trouble, St. Ledger was thrust into the action by City boss Nigel Pearson and produced a solid display at right-back in City’s 1-0 win.

In only his second game back following a knee injury, St. Ledger managed to complete an hour of the game before fatigue set in, but admitted he was just pleased to be back in the fold after a frustrating spell on the sidelines.

“I was just glad to be back in the squad because it feels like a long time since my last game in the summer,” said the 27-year-old defender.

“I got the call that Ritchie was struggling in the warm-up. Ritchie was a bit too sore to play so I was in at right-back, which isn’t my usual position, but it’s great to be back in the first team squad.

“You have to prepare for games as if you’re going to start. It’s rare that something like that should happen, but as professionals you prepare as you always do. You get your mind on it and go from there.

“Blackpool are a very good side, they’re going to be in and around it come the end of the season and they play some really good football, but I thought we thoroughly deserved the win.

“It was nice to be back out there in front of the fans and to get the win as well.”

Pearson’s decision to start St. Ledger, an established international centre-back, on the right was a considerable shot in the arm for young Liam Moore, who has started every league game this season at the heart of the back four.

And St. Ledger says he has been delighted to see the City Academy graduate performing so well, even if it means him having to play at full-back.

He said: “Liam’s doing very well. He’s very young, but he’s done brilliantly and people are speaking highly of him.

“We all want each other to do well for the team because the most important thing is for us to get promotion.

“For us as players, we want to get into the Premier League and play there as much as the fans do.”