BRENDAN RODGERS has promised James Maddison will show a ruthless streak against former club Norwich on Friday night.
Maddison returns to Carrow Road for the first time since moving to Leicester in a £24million deal in 2018.
Maddison has impressive stats to back up his switch to Leicester
Foxes boss Rodgers knows his midfielder has a deep affection for the Canaries, who smoothed his transfer to the East Midlands.
And the England ace spoke of his ‘love and respect’ for the East Anglian outfit after they earned a 1-1 draw at the King Power in December.
Maddison, 23, was even spotted among supporters in the Canaries away end at Derby last season.
But Rodgers insists there can be no old pals’ act for the £100million-rated player — as it is Leicester’s money that is now in the former Coventry youth player’s bank.
Rodgers said: “In football you can’t really have sentiment.
“But he knows he is employed by Leicester City.
The boy is very happy, he wants to be here and he sees this as the club he can develop at. I am hopeful [the contract] will be done.”
Brendan Rodgers
“The money’s in his bank every month and he will want to do the very best for us.
“He’ll always be thankful for what Norwich gave him — a great platform and the chance to come to here.
“I also know his sale allowed them the opportunity to bring in finance to stabilise the club. So it probably worked out well for both.
“Everyone I know who has ever played for Norwich has had a great affinity with them and the area.
“James is no different — but I couldn’t predict any possible celebrations! It’s instinctive.”
Euro 2020 hopeful Maddison is in talks over a new King Power contract and Rodgers hopes the outcome will be good for Leicester.
The Northern Irishman added: “It’s been on-going with the club and his representatives.
“The boy is very happy, he wants to be here and he sees this as the club he can develop at. I am hopeful it’ll be done.”
Leicester striker Kelechi Iheanacho can play on Friday after coming through the six-day concussion protocol following his collision with Manchester City keeper Ederson last weekend.
Brendan Rodgers says De Bruyne incident a ‘clear’ handball after Leicester lose 0-1 at home to Man City
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
