Wood: Team Deserves The Credit

The New Zealand international striker took his tally to six goals in three games since joining Leicester from West Bromwich Albion earlier this month, helping the Foxes climb to third in the npower Championship table with a 4-0 win.

No City player has ever made such a spectacular start in his first three games, but Wood, 21, was modest about his contribution, which saw the matchball secured in a devastating 30-minute spell during the first half.

“It’s down to the team and their hard work, I was just there to tap most of them in,” said Wood of his Ashton Gate treble.

“It’s nice to have a team of quality around me to create those opportunities. It’s always nice to get the goals, but, more importantly, we got the three points today.

“It’s been a positive start for me, but it’s only a start. We’ve got a long way to go in the season, hopefully a lot more goals to come and hopefully a lot more wins to come too.”

Wood’s early form in the Foxes shirt has been aided by his budding relationship with strike-partner David Nugent, who remains top of the City scoring charts with 12 this term.

The likeable Liverpudlian has been content to let Wood take the spotlight in recent weeks and the big Kiwi was full of praise for his fellow forward.

“He’s got great quality, he’s a top bloke and a top player and it’s a pleasure to work with him,” Wood said.

“The runs he makes, the creativity he has and the way he talks to me, helping me through the game, is unbelievable. It’s a pleasure to play with him.

“As long as we’re picking up three points, that’s the main thing for our Club and our team. It doesn’t matter who scores, whether it’s Nuge, me or anyone – we all support each other and, as long as those goals keep going in, we’ll keep winning and that’s the main thing.”

Now third in the table and just two points off the top two, City host top-six rivals Middlesbrough on Friday (kick-off 7.45pm) in a game that could prove crucial in the race for promotion.

With Boro, Hull City and Crystal Palace all dropping points over the weekend, the Foxes are now in a position to move on the automatic promotion spots, but Wood warns that overcoming Tony Mowbray’s men will be no easy task.

“It’s going to be a tough game next week, with them losing on Saturday they will be looking to come back fighting and be twice as strong,” said Wood.

“But everyone is upbeat. We have to make sure we prepare right during the week and that we’re ready for that game.”