Abdul Fatawu's two-word message speaks volumes about Conor Coady's Leicester City influence

When Conor Coady dropped down to the Championship to join Leicester City from Wolverhampton Wanderers in the summer, he was expected to be a mainstay in the team’s defence as they looked for immediate promotion back to the Premier League.

That may have been the case if it wasn’t for an injury during pre-season. A fractured foot suffered in a pre-season behind-closed-doors friendly saw him miss the first seven games of the campaign in all competitions.

It also opened the door for Jannik Vestergaard to take his place. Such has been the performances of the Dane as he turns his City career around, that Coady has struggled to regain his place in the team this season.

The former England international may now get a chance with Vestergaard serving a two-game suspension due to an accumulation of yellow cards. Enzo Maresca has the choice of replacing him with young defender Ben Nelson, or the experience of Coady.

Given the added pressure on the next few league games, after Leeds closed the point gap to second place to six points, the know-how and leadership of Coady could prove vital if he does take his place in the team for the games against Queens Park Rangers and Sunderland. That influence was seen against Bournemouth in City’s FA Cup fifth round on Tuesday night.

Amid nine changes to the starting line-up, Coady played alongside Vestergaard and Callum Doyle in a back three when in possession. Against Premier League opposition, City put up a resolute display and more than held their own.

Abdul Fatawu’s stunning goal in the 105th minute proved to be the difference between the two sides after extra time. There has been some questions over City’s mentality to see out a match this season, but they never looked really troubled despite late Bournemouth pressure as they searched for an equaliser.

After the match Coady took to Instagram to give his reaction. “Into the quarters, Foxes fans top draw and our little mate sticking one in the top bin…perfect night,” he wrote. That prompted a reply from Fatawu himself who wrote: “Personal coach.”

While he may not have been playing on the pitch as much as he would have hoped or probably expected this season, that message from Fatawu sums up the impact Coady is still having on the team. Helping the younger players in the team, including Fatawu will only benefit City both in the short and long-term.

Even when injured, it emerged that Coady was still travelling with the team for away games and lending his support. It’s those actions off the pitch that has helped City to the position that they are currently in the the table.

The defender may now have the chance to make an impact on the pitch too. It’s a chance he will be looking to take with both hands.

Should Coady replace Vestergaard in the starting XI for the next two games? Tell us in the comments section