Brendan Rodgers hails Jamie Vardy after double helps beat Norwich

Brendan Rodgers saluted Jamie Vardy after his brace saw Leicester stroll past Norwich.

The striker’s double ended the Foxes’ seven-game winless run and lifted them to 10th in the Premier League with a 3-0 win.

James Maddison also netted against his rock-bottom former club with the hosts easing to victory in the second half.

Vardy has battled knee and hamstring injuries this year – only starting 17 top-flight games this season – but has still managed 14 goals in all competitions.

Rodgers said: “It’s been a tough season for him, for players it’s about rhythm and playing. He is such a brilliant guy, so hungry and he showed that this evening. Two really good goals and he was a real threat.

“I kept him on to see if he can get his hat-trick. He’s older now so every minute counts. He gave everything.

“He was tireless, chasing lost causes, getting blocks. The ball didn’t quite fall for him sometimes but he was outstanding and the second goal was fantastic.

“We were much better in the second half, the first half was too passive and we weren’t aggressive enough.

“We needed to change the structure of the team and the midfield and from the first roll of the ball in the second half we were very good.

“I said to the players, we don’t want to go out with a whimper this season, it felt a bit flat at the weekend. We had a good chat and we want to finish in the top 10 and put a marker down for next season.”

Angus Gunn kept the Foxes out early on when he parried Maddison’s strike and foiled Vardy on the rebound.

The goalkeeper, in for the axed Tim Krul, also turned Maddison’s drive wide before Leicester let Norwich off the hook and back into the game.

The Canaries managed to create chances of their own and Kasper Schmeichel denied Tony