'European elite will not fancy 90-minute fight with Leicester', says Iain Hume
Monday 17 October 2016 11:48, UK
Europe's elite will not want to face battle-hardened Leicester should the Foxes reach the Champions League knockout stages, former striker Iain Hume says.
Leicester - playing in Europe's premier competition for the first time in their history - top Group G heading into Tuesday night's clash at home to FC Copenhagen after wins against Club Brugge and Porto.
"They've got a great chance of reaching the knockout stages now," Hume told Sky Sports.
"Before Leicester had kicked a ball in the Champions League most people thought they had no chance. It's a tough competition but after their performances last season how can you question them?
"It's been a slightly rough start for them in the Premier League - that's partly because everyone wants to beat the champions - but the big teams in the Champions League certainly won't underestimate them. They were underestimated far too much by teams in England last season and those teams got dealt with.
"Any team that plays Leicester in the Champions League won't take them lightly - they'll go into it expecting a 90-minute fight."
Hume caught the eye for Kerala Blasters in the inaugural edition of the Indian Super League [ISL], winning the Hero of the League end-of-season accolade and earning a move to 2014 champions Atletico Kolkata.
The Canada international netted the first competitive hat-trick of his career in last year's ISL, and with 17 goals, is now the joint-highest goalscorer in the league's history.
"I am very fortunate to have played for the two best-supported teams in the Indian Super League," he said.
"It's a nice feeling being the joint-highest scorer because I've never been renowned for being a natural goalscorer. But no matter what I'll keep doing my job and keep working hard for the team.
"I love it here in India and that's why I came back. Four years ago I couldn't have dreamt of saying that but long may it continue."
