Appleton: Important Progression

- Michael Appleton believes completing 90 minutes will be key for Leicester City’s stars during their upcoming pre-season fixtures
- The Foxes beat Luton Town 1-0 on Wednesday evening thanks to Riyad Mahrez’s late strike
- Appleton praised Ahmed Musa for the threat he posed against the Hatters

Following the pattern of City’s Premier League Asia Trophy fixtures against West Bromwich Albion and Liverpool, Craig Shakespeare gave 20 players a run out in Luton.

With three fixtures now behind them, the Foxes are beginning to reap the rewards of their hard work during pre-season and Appleton hopes the players will soon be able to comfortably notch up 90 minutes.

“I think first and foremost the players have obviously got the minutes on the pitch, which was important,” Appleton told LCFC TV at the final whistle.

“There are a few who have got beyond that 45-minute period, which is really key because Friday and Saturday are going to be about upping those minutes and getting players into situations where they are going beyond that 70-minute mark.

“I think in the next two games, it’s important for us to get as many players 90 minutes as possible, and getting through those games unscathed injury-wise. Then we face a top German side at King Power Stadium at the end of pre-season.”

Appleton praised winger Ahmed Musa following the game after the Nigeria international set up Riyad Mahrez for the winning goal. 

He added: “[Ahmed] Musa was a threat for the majority of the game tonight. He’s always going to be a threat with the pace that he’s got. 

“He showed some decent composure for the goal and he sucked the full back in to tee it up for Riyad.

“He’ll be pleased that he’s got an assist under his belt and we’re looking forward to getting the boys more minutes over the weekend.”