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Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers says striker Kelechi Iheanacho is still very much in his plans despite his lack of action this season.

The Nigerian has returned from international duty having been left on the substitute's bench for the 2-2 friendly draw with Ukraine in Dnipro on Tuesday.

That means he is still without a senior appearance this season.

Iheanacho made the bench for the first two matches of the season, but was left out of the matchday squad altogether for the Carabao Cup win at Newcastle United and City's past two Premier League matches - defeats of AFC Bournemouth and Sheffield United.

With Ayoze Perez and Dennis Praet brought in from Newcastle United and Sampdoria respectively over the summer, competition is fierce in City's forward ranks.

Bur Rodgers says Iheanacho is still needed and that his time will come.

"He's very much a part of the squad," Rodgers said.

"We have a really tight training group, of which he is a part of.

"And over the course of the season we are going to need all the players.

"What we did in the summer was we strengthened the squad, which means the training group now is super-competitive and everyone is fighting for a place not just to play, but to be on the bench.

"His attitude is great, he trains hard every day, whether he is playing, in the squad or not in the squad.

"He will continue to do that.

Iheanacho joined City in summer 2017, a reported £25 million signing from Manchester City.

He joined the Citizens on his 18th birthday, spending a year in their academy before making his first-team bow.

(Image: Plumb Images/Getty Images)

The 22-year-old made 64 appearances, scoring 21 goals during his time at the Etihad Stadium.

He has made 63 appearances for Leicester, netting just ten times.