Swansea boss Garry Monk urges defenders to end Jamie Vardys fairytale run

Leicester hot-shot Vardy heads to the Liberty Stadium having scored against Manchester United last weekend for a record-breaking 11th consecutive Barclays Premier League game.

But Vardy would match English record holder Jimmy Dunne, who netted in 12 consecutive matches for Sheffield United between October 1931 and January 1932, by scoring against the Swans on Saturday.

Monk says Vardy's exploits are appreciated at Swansea as, like the Welsh club who have climbed through the divisions, the England striker has progressed from humble origins with a well-documented journey from non-league football

But Monk insists his defenders are primed for the challenge of shutting out Vardy for the first time in a Premier League game since Tottenham held him at bay on August 22.

"To score those goals in that number of consecutive games is very difficult in any league, but to do at the top level in British football is even harder," Monk said.

"He's been exceptional and it's a great story as well from where he's come from

He's done it the hard way.

"We obviously have good experience of coming up through the leagues and players who have played non-league and come through to this level, so our club will appreciate a story like that.

"But it's our job to put an end to that story and I'm sure our defenders will be thinking about that going into the game.

"We've tried this week to counteract their strengths, but also concentrate on ours."

Second-placed Leicester have lost only once in the league this season - 5-2 at home to Arsenal at the end of September - but many observers feel they will struggle to keep pace with bigger clubs as the campaign unfolds.

Monk, however, would not be surprised if the Foxes last the course and continue to challenge at the top of the table.

"They have every right to think that way (staying up there) and have every chance of doing so," Monk said.

"No-one's really performing better than them right now and I would not be surprised if they maintain it.

"There's no clear leader and no-one pulling away

It's quite a tight bunch at the top.

"The Christmas period will be very crucial, whether they can maintain it in the top two or whether they are competing for that top four or top six.

"But they're definitely going to be up there for the rest of the season."

While Monk's position has been the subject of intense speculation in recent weeks after a run of only one win in 10 league games, Leicester manager Claudio Ranieri has proved the sceptics wrong since he was surprisingly appointed as Nigel Pearson's successor last summer.

"They had great momentum at the end of last season with that run to get out of trouble," Monk said.

"But he (Ranieri) has had a massive effect

The way that he works means they play slightly differently to what they did before.

"You can see his influence in the way that they are set up

He seems a great character and they're obviously enjoying their football under him."

Source : PA

Source: PA