'Every minute counts' for aging Jamie Vardy as striker suffers injury in Norwich win

Brendan Rodgers was willing Jamie Vardy to get a hat-trick against Norwich because there might not be many left for him in the future.

Vardy scored twice to lead City to their first win in eight against the Canaries, with James Maddison rapping up the victory to put Rodgers’ team back into the top half of the Premier League table. The number nine did almost get a treble too, turning a shot just wide as City dominated the second half.

The goals were Vardy’s first since overcoming a knee injury and just his second and third of the calendar year. With the striker now 35, Rodgers was hoping he might be able to get his fourth Premier League hat-trick, knowing opportunities for him to do so might not be so frequent as he gets older. He has one year remaining on his contract at the club.

Rodgers said: “I thought he worked ever so hard. He worked tirelessly throughout the evening, chasing lost causes, getting blocks in. Then there was his movement. He was outstanding tonight and in particular the second goal, it was fantastic movement and finish.

“That’s why I kept him on, to try to get him his hat-trick. He’s a bit older now, so every minute counts. There might not be as many hat-tricks for him. He gave everything tonight.

“It’s been a tough season for him. For players it’s about rhythm and he has missed a lot of games. He’s such a brilliant guy, so hungry. He showed that this evening, scoring two really good goals. He was a real threat all night.”

There was a slight concern towards the end when Vardy appeared to have injured his wrist. That will be checked out ahead of the game against Watford on Sunday.

Rodgers added: “I spoke to him afterwards. He fell on his wrist there and it looked a bit sore. Hopefully it will be