Cooper On Skipp's Availability & 'Important' Vardy

- Oliver Skipp is in contention to feature at Fulham at Saturday, says Steve Cooper
- Leicester City travel to Craven Cottage on matchday two in the Premier League
- The Foxes Manager also commented on Jamie Vardy's fitness
- The iconic Leicester striker netted against Tottenham Hotspur on Monday

City began the 2024/25 top-flight campaign with a 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur at King Power Stadium on Monday, courtesy of Jamie Vardy's second-half equaliser.

Cooper, speaking on Thursday, outlined the condition of his First Team squad ahead of the trip to Fulham and says nothing's changed since earlier in the week. Skipp, who joined from Spurs recently, is available for selection if required.

"It’s the same," the Welshman told the media, updating on fitness news. "Obviously, it was the first game of the season and a lot of lads were getting up to speed fitness-wise. A lot of clubs are in that position. There's just a bit of fatigue, nothing else.

"[Skipp is] definitely available, that’s for sure. It’s great that he’s here. We’re looking to add some more players as well, hopefully sooner rather than later, and you want new players to push for places. You want that competition.

"We have a brilliant spirit here and a great work ethic. The challenge will be embraced by the guys for starting positions. Everybody that’s fit and available will be ready for selection if required."

Vardy, meanwhile, started Monday's draw with Spurs despite having limited playing opportunities in pre-season and Cooper believes that is a testament to the work City's No.9 does away from matchday.

"It's definitely important to keep all of our players fit," he added. "Jamie doesn’t need any special words from me about his capabilities and the impact he can have. The talent he has around the box will never leave him.

"In terms of keeping him available and fresh for games, that is going to be important. He’s an older player now, that’s a fact, and of course as players get older they understand their bodies well and know what’s needed to prepare for games.

"It's important that we work collaboratively with him to make sure we do what’s right by him to get him ready for games. In my experience of him, he really enjoys the games. He enjoys what it takes to get ready for the game.

"He now has a good understanding of how I work and what’s required from us. We’re starting to get to know all of the players - especially him - and what they require to be ready for games. That’s just coaching, that's just preparation, knowing what they need more than what they want. That will be the case for him.

"It’s a little different for him with the pre-season he’s had as well, but he’s a game player. He's a matchday guy and we’ll do our best to make him as ready as he can be."