Demarai Gray should follow Cristiano Ronaldo's lead as he prepares for first Leicester start of the season, says Foxes boss Craig Shakespeare
- Demarai Gray is close to signing a new contract with Leicester City
- The England Under 21 international joined from Birmingham for £3.5m in 2016
- Cristiano Ronaldo endured a mixed start at Manchester United after joining
- Yet, the then-winger soon found consistency in his game with goals and assists
Craig Shakespeare has cited the development of Cristiano Ronaldo while challenging Demarai Gray to seize his chance against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup.
Gray, who will sign a new Leicester contract in the coming days, is set to get a rare start and Shakespeare wants the 21-year-old winger to produce a display that makes him a contender to become a Premier League regular.
'Whoever hasn't been starting, if they get the opportunity it's up to them to impress and take that,' said Shakespeare. 'Demarai needs to be playing regularly. We know what his strengths are, one v ones, dribbling, and he's worked at his defensive side. People do get better with age because of their understanding of the game.
Leicester City winger Demarai Gray is close to signing a new deal at the Midlands club
Manager Craig Shakespeare revealed the news saying that the deal 'is in the final instalments'
Shakespeare has told Gray to look at Cristiano Ronaldo as an example to find consistency
'Remember Cristiano Ronaldo, when he first came here, people used to criticise him for the same things, I think. If the opposition put two defenders against you and you're trying to beat them all the time, then you have to find another solution.'
The visit of Jurgen Klopp's team should also give a chance to Ben Chilwell, who Liverpool tried to sign last year. The Engalnd Under 21 left back will feature due to Christian Fuchs being out with an eye injury.
'I think he can challenge for that spot, he has the ability,' added Shakespeare. 'Ben's been around for a bit now, but he's had to be patient because of Christian's form. Sometimes the opportunity comes around. You need to be ready to take your chance.'
Ronaldo endured a mixed start at Manchester United after joining the club in 2003
However, once he found his feet the Portugal international became a superstar at United
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