INSIDE STORY –Leicester City Star Reveals ONE Player Who Could Be Pivotal to Leicester City’s Survival Push

Leicester City remain stuck in the Championship relegation zone, with just seven league games left to play to save their skin.

On another day, the Foxes might have returned to the King Power with three points in the bag following their trip to Vicarage Road.

Unfortunately, Patson Daka had other ideas from the penalty spot, his lacklustre effort being saved by Egil Selvik, resulting in a 0-0 draw in a disappointing away trip to Watford.

Daka was not, however, solely to blame for this frustrating attacking display, as Gary Rowett’s men squandered four clear-cut chances, despite registering 15 shots on target against the Hornets.

Fortunately, whilst the attacking performance left much to be desired, the defence proved solid and resilient throughout the match.

Indeed, the standout performer in defence was undoubtedly Caleb Okoli, the Italian titan winning eight brave duels to preserve a rare clean sheet for Leicester away from home.

Rowett admitted that this draw was a little ‘disheartening’ to accept, following Daka’s penalty blunder.

But he will surely be pleased with the defensive tenacity, given the Foxes’ 3-1 defeat to Queens Park Rangers in the match preceding this energetic away trip.

Whilst Okoli garnered much of the post-match praise, and rightly so, the dominant number five was quick to congratulate his centre-back partner for the day, Jamaal Lascelles, at the final whistle, as the former Newcastle United defender’s experience could prove crucial in the more competitive fixtures to come, once the international break is over.

Lascelles was unable to see out the full 90 minutes at Vicarage Road, with Ben Nelson who will join the England U21s during the break coming on in the closing stages of the goalless encounter.

Yet, despite the fatigue setting in towards the end of the match, Rowett made an inspired choice in thrusting Lascelles into the first-team spotlight, for what was only his second start of the season.

Calm on the ball, as evidenced by his 90% pass completion rate, this injury-prone giant also rivalled Okoli in terms of duels won, heroically winning six of his eight aerial duels.

There was no sign of rustiness in the 32-year-old, who is now looking to establish himself as one of Rowett’s trusted centre-backs for the remainder of this gruelling season.

His presence has been a huge boon for Okoli since his move from St James’ Park to the King Power in January, with the former Atalanta stalwart full of praise for his experienced teammate when asked about his role within the squad.

Okoli said enthusiastically: “He’s a brilliant player with such a wealth of experience.

I can only learn from him, and I’ve learnt a great deal playing alongside him over the last few weeks. We’re all delighted to have him here. He’s an excellent player. ”

With 104 Championship appearances to his name, plus 177 Premier League matches, Lascelles will not be fazed in the slightest by the relegation battle currently underway.

That calmness and fighting spirit have clearly rubbed off on Okoli at Vicarage Road. The Italian and the Derby-born veteran now seem to form an unlikely duo, but one that works a treat, neutralising their opponents in some gruelling battles at the bottom of the table.