Vardy goal drought does not concern Leicester boss Ranieri

Claudio Ranieri insists he is not concerned by Jamie Vardy's lack of league goals in recent weeks.

Vardy was prolific earlier in the season, breaking a Premier League record after scoring in 11 consecutive league games, a run which included 13 goals. But he last found the net in Leicester's 2-1 defeat to Arsenal in February. 

Leicester travel to Sunderland on Sunday top of the table, regardless of how Saturday's results go, but Ranieri says he is not bothered who scores the goals as long as they carry on winning.

He said: "It's not important who scores a goal. With (Danny) Simpson, no, last week he was so close? And I said to him 'don't worry, it will arrive next (week)'. It's not important who scores a goal. It's important that Leicester win the match," said Ranieri.

"It's not important. Every time I talk to the strikers, it's not important if they score. Of course it's their job to score a goal.

"Jamie in the last two or three matches he didn't score but made the final pass. I look always at the performance, if everybody links together and if everybody fights together.

"If everybody helps each other, that is my performance. After the goal, it's okay. Wes Morgan scored the goal (against Southampton)."

Leicester have not conceded in their last four games and Ranieri has emphasized the faith he has in his back-four as they prepare for a battle against Jermain Defoe.

He added: "Jermain is fantastic. I remember him when he was young and I was at Chelsea. He's a very good striker, but I'm very confident with my central defenders. They are very clever."