Leicester midfielder Richie Wellens has laid down the law on any potential big-name arrivals to the Walkers Stadium, insisting they will have to graft for their place in the City side.
Manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has already rung the changes to his Leicester side since taking over the reins last month, but Wellens says that new arrivals must prove themselves all over again to win over the manager’s approval.
“We’ve been linked to Roque Santa Cruz and Jo which is great but are they going to really do the job?,” Wellens declared.
“Sven’s a big name in football and he’ll have a lot of contacts.
“But we want players with something to prove, who want to work hard every day and fit in with the group of lads here.
“Bring in as many players as you want but that doesn’t guarantee you promotion.
“What stands you in good stead is the team spirit and the determination to hang on to 1-0 leads.
“That’s the most important thing when you’re going for promotion.
“Look at Newcastle last year, they dug in for wins and had great team spirit without any so-called stars.”
Eriksson has already drafted in Kyle Naughton, Curtis Davies, Darius Vassell and Greg Cunningham in on loan for the Foxes, signings which Wellens believes have had a positive impact on first team proceedings.
“Kyle and Curtis are top players. We don’t need to give them a month to settle, they’re proven at this level.
“They’re English lads and have slotted straight in. And their quality raises the performance of those around them.”
Wellens’ strong words come on the back of Japanese midfielder Yuki Abe’s impressive performance in the victory against Preston on Saturday, and the former Doncaster man has warned the summer signing that he must work hard to unify himself with the first team squad.
“Players like Yuki Abe have to learn English, otherwise it doesn’t work as it’s difficult to communicate. It’s a longer process but the team are trying to integrate him into the squad. Everyone’s got to be together.”
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