Gray’s Austria Aim
- Demarai Gray says he has been working on converting his goalscoring opportunities in training
- The former Birmingham City man netted a brilliant solo effort against Notts County
- Gray is aiming for further involvement this week when Leicester City face Akhisarspor and Udinese in Austria
On Saturday, from just inside the Notts County half, Gray carried the ball into the box past two defenders before slotting into the bottom corner with his left foot.
His willingness to run at the hosts’ back line created numerous opportunities for Claude Puel’s men, especially after the interval.
“I’ve been doing it quite a bit in training,” revealed Gray to LCFC TV. “I’ve been sharp and lively. I was a bit rusty in the first half but in the second half it opened up for me. I think when I get those opportunities, I’ve just got to drive and be direct.
Goals: Notts County 1 Leicester City 4
Watch all the goals from the pre-season 1-4 win over Notts County at Meadow Lane.
“That’s one thing the manager has worked on with me, so if I do go inside on the right and then on the left, the defender isn’t going to know what I’m doing. It paid off today and I think stuff like that is what I’ve got to work on – to be more ruthless in front of goal.”
Gray played on both wings and through the middle against Kevin Nolan’s men – attacking roles he says he has enjoyed operating in.
He continued: “I thought we had a lot chemistry up there today. I started in a central role as Vards (Jamie Vardy) is still not back after the World Cup.
“It’s something I’ve adapted to well. In training, the manager has been working a lot on me playing centrally and I’ve enjoyed it. It’s nice to score goals, so if I’m asked to play there more often, I’ll be happy.”
Gray: Drive & Be Direct
Demarai Gray talks to LCFC TV after a 4-1 pre-season victory over local rivals Notts County.
The Foxes next face Akhisarspor on Wednesday (5pm kick-off BST) at Stadion Villach Lind – the first of two pre-season fixtures in Austria.
“There’re two games in quick succession so I think the next few weeks will be important to get the minutes up and top up all round,” he added. “I’m looking forward to adding to my minutes.
“The Manchester United game isn’t far away and I think that’s our first proper runout today. It was important we did that.
“We’ve got two games in Austria and I think we’ll move on to playing 90 minutes. I think the next few weeks are very important for our fitness and preparing for the first game.”