‘He has that incredible ability to make something happen’ - Madders ready for lift-off

Former Norwich City favourite James Maddison is now fighting fit and poised to lead Leicester City’s Europa League charge.

Maddison has been eased back into the Foxes’ line up after hip surgery curtailed his Premier League season last time around, but the 23-year-old could be a key figure in Thursday’s top-of-the table duel against Braga in the East Midlands.

The England international has started both previous wins in the competition for Brendan Rodgers’ side, and the Northern Irishman is ready to unleash the attacking midfielder.

Maddison was touted with a summer move but penned a new deal to keep him at the King Power until 2024.

“James is a winner. He wants to be a successful player,” said Rodgers, quoted on the BBC Sport site. “He has that incredible ability to make something happen. He loves his life, his football. He is a player who loves the game and when you have a player like that out injured and not able to impact the team it can be difficult.

“The key was managing him and getting him back where he could impact the games.”

Maddison was hailed by Norwich’s travelling support on his first appearance against his old club nearly 12 months ago following a then record sale in the summer of 2018. Maddison spoke warmly about his affection for his previous club during the build up to that first reunion, and the ex-Coventry City trainee recently hailed Mario Vrancic’s wizardry on set pieces in the recent Championship home win over Wycombe.