Ranieri Underlines Squad Belief

- Joe Dodoo scored a hat-trick on his debut as City marched into the Capital One Cup Third Round 

- Andrej Kramaric also on the scoresheet for Leicester City 

- Ranieri praises the support of the travelling Foxes fans 

- Leicester City to face West Ham at home in the third round

Claudio Ranieri couldn’t hide his delight after watching his side roar to a 4-1 Captial One Cup Second Round victory over Bury at Gigg Lane on Tuesday night. 

The performance saw five players making their full debut, but it was Academy graduate Joe Dodoo who stole the show with a stunning hat-trick to book City’s spot in the third round at home to West Ham United. 

There were 11 changes to the starting XI for Ranieri, who was delighted with what he saw from his players – a committed performance high on both energy and quality. 

Speaking exclusively to , Ranieri said: “I’m very happy because we played well in the first half and we scored twice. In the second half after their (Bury’s) goal it was battle and we showed great spirit, supported by our fans, who were very good for us. It’s like we play every game at home, that’s important for us. 

“Everybody worked very hard in training sessions and I have to choose one line up but everyone works hard. Tonight was a match for these players and they showed a good attitude, good spirit and I’m very pleased with everybody. 

“I was sure with the performance because when I choose a team, I believe in them. Together we are a good group and they’re united. That’s important for me.” 

But while there were fine displays all over the pitch, the headlines will undoubtedly go to Dodoo, who emulated team-mate Jeffrey Schlupp's feat from 2011 by grabbing a debut hat-trick, and for Ranieri, it was well deserved. 

“I’m very pleased with our Academy because they work hard and I watched these guys one month ago in a friendly match and Joe scored three goals, and also today he scored three, so I’m very happy. 

“He deserved it because he played well. He scored three goals and it gave us the victory. It was important for him but also for Leicester. 

“I saw him play in a training session. I said I want him to fight to recover the ball when he loses it. That is what I want.”