Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri says players are ready for run-in

Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri says he gave his players a full week off for the first time in his managerial career to ensure they remain fresh for the title run-in.

Top-of-the-table Leicester host Norwich on Saturday and have the chance to go five points clear at the summit of the Premier League with Arsenal and Tottenham in action on Sunday.

The players were given a training programme during their time off last week and Ranieri believes they have reaped the rewards from the break.

He said: "The benefit was they came back how they left, the same, and that is good because they enjoy, they recharged the batteries.

"Never have I given players one week off - maximum three days when I was crazy."

Ranieri showered praise on his players for buying into his managerial philosophy from the moment he stepped into the Leicester hot seat as Nigel Pearson's replacement last summer.

"I didn't see the team a little bit down and then grow up," he said. "From the first day they were very, very focused.

"I think my strength is to adapt in every situation, my character, my strategy, my point of view, my vision about football. Of course here at Leicester I felt from the beginning something special."

Daniel Amartey could make his debut at right-back after his January move from FC Copenhagen, with Danny Simpson suspended following his red card against Arsenal.

Ranieri could also throw a lifeline to Liam Moore who has played just once for the Foxes this season. The 23-year-old returned from a loan spell at Bristol City last month and Ranieri admitted the defender remains in his thinking.

"He's working very well, better than at the beginning of season," Ranieri said. "There is a future - I have an open mind. I want to win. If he shows me he's the best over another, he plays.

"I want to win. Now I watch him and he's desperate - remember Simpson at the beginning didn't play. I said to him, 'You have a chance, show me'."