Leicester City star compared with James Milner as Brendan Rodgers told to rebuild

Leicester City stalwart Marc Albrighton deserves to be key part of Brendan Rodgers' rebuilding job, according to former Arsenal defender Martin Keown.

It’s been a difficult season for the Foxes, who have fallen short of the high standards they have set over the previous two years when they finished fifth twice in the Premier League and won the FA Cup.

Keown believes Rodgers deserves time to rebuild his squad, but says tried and trusted players like Albrighton still have a role to play.

He explained: "This has been the first season [under Rodgers ] where they’ve taken a backward step. Now it’s about building again.

"Everyone was talking about him [ Rodgers ] going to different clubs but [he needs to] stay where he is and build. He is starting to believe in his players again.

"I noticed that there seemed to be a disconnect when they lost to Forest [in the FA Cup]. There was a lot of blame going on but he’s gone back and readjusted.

"When he was at Liverpool, the likes of Gerrard, Carragher were allowed to leave quite quickly.

"He went to Leicester and changed. Wes Morgan was given a new contract.

"He wants those people around, positive influences like Albrighton, people who help him manage and get that message across.

"Albrighton, who is the [James] Milner of that club, will fill in everywhere and is probably deserving of another contract, although I’m not his agent.

"That’s the type of person you want around you in that club. Brendan will now build again and he will get the results.”

Albrighton - one of the Premier League title winners - signed a new deal last summer, tying him to the club until 2024.