Five Young Foxes To Make Their Mark
Gray, 21, agreed a new contract at King Power Stadium on Thursday after scoring his fourth goal for the Foxes during the 2-0 victory over Everton.
The England U21s winger has already enjoyed remarkable success at the Club since joining in 2016, winning the Premier League in 2016 and appearing in the UEFA Champions League last term.
To mark his new deal at the Club, here are five fellow Foxes to have made their mark at young ages through the years…
Graham Cross
1960-76
LCFC appearances: 599
Goals: 37
As Leicester City’s record appearance holder, Graham Cross holds a unique place in the Club’s long and distinguished 133-year history.
Cross made his debut during a 3-2 victory over Birmingham City on the final day of the 1960/61 campaign, also becoming the Club’s youngest-ever top flight scorer at age of 17.
The midfielder, who later played as a defender, was ever-present during a halcyon era at Filbert Street, helping City reach two FA Cup and League Cup Finals, winning one of the latter in 1964; a 4-3 success over Stoke City.
David Nish
1966-72
LCFC appearances: 272
Goals: 67
After scoring on his Club debut in a 4-2 win over Stoke at Filbert Street in December 1966, David Nish went on to become a key figure for manager Matt Gillies.
Nish was also the youngest FA Cup Final captain, leading City out for a 1-0 reverse against Manchester City at Wembley on 26 April, 1969.
After six years at Leicester, Nish eventually moved to Derby County for a record fee of £225,000 before also representing Tulsa Roughnecks, Seattle Sounders and San Jose Earthquakes.
Peter Shilton
1966-74
LCFC appearances: 339
Goals: 1
In May 1966, Peter Shilton made his bow at just 16 to help his side secure a 3-0 victory over Everton and, in the process, became the Club’s youngest top flight debutant.
The internationally acclaimed 'keeper, who even scored a goal of his own at The Dell against Southampton in 1967, represented City in the 1969 FA Cup Final at 19 and earned his first of 125 England caps aged 21 in 1970.
Shilton also helped City lift the Second Division title and the Community Shield in 1971.
With double-winners Arsenal out on a pre-season tour, First Division runners-up Liverpool and second tier champions City contested the tie, a 1-0 win, on 7 August, 1971.
Julian Joachim
1992-96
LCFC appearances: 119
Goals: 31
While initially a defeated Play-Off finalist in 1993 at 18, Julian Joachim returned to the capital 12 months later for a memorable 2-1 success over East Midlands rivals Derby County.
Joachim went on to score the Club's maiden Premier League goal on the opening day of the 1994–95 season, in a 3–1 defeat by Newcastle United at Filbert Street.
The skilful forward, who graduated from City’s Academy, has featured for 19 clubs, including Aston Villa and Leeds United, and is still playing at Counties League side Radcliffe Olympic at the age of 43.
Emile Heskey
1994-2000
LCFC appearances: 197
Goals: 46
Emile Heskey started his 18-year career in football as a young apprentice at Filbert Street for a 2-0 loss against Queens Park Rangers on 8 March, 1995.
After relegation to the second tier, Heskey scored seven goals in 30 appearances to fire the Foxes back to the Premier League, a division he would settle in quickly under Martin O’Neill.
A Play-Off winner at just 18-years-old, Heskey won the League Cup the following year, scoring a late equaliser to send the tie with Middlesbrough to a replay, while also earning an England call-up at 21 in 1999.