Following Leicester City's charge to the summit of the Premier League table, Gary Lineker has backed his boyhood club to qualify for European competition.
In an interview with BBC Radio Leicester, the former Everton, Barcelona and Tottenham Hotspur striker has admitted that qualification for next season's Europa League competition is "not impossible".
'A fabulous achievement'
Having not made an appearance in any European competition for over 15 years (with a then UEFA Cup clash with Red Star Belgrade in 2000), most Leicester City fans would evidently love another venture onto the continent. However, none are more hopeful than club legend, Gary Lineker.
Highlighting the "terrific spirit" and the "decent squad" currently assembled under Claudio Ranieri, the Match of the Day host is not ruling anything out for the table-topping Leicester City.
Nevertheless, the former England frontman, who saved the club from extinction in 2002, has made it clear that it will not be easy. Drawing attention to the "really tough run of fixtures coming up", Lineker has stated that it would be a "fabulous achievement" if the Midlanders were to qualify for European competition.
However, the 54 year-old has appeared to rule out the Champions League for Claudio Ranieri's men; cheekily stating that it "won't happen".
'I'm so pleased'
Despite the Foxes currently sitting a point clear of Louis Van Gaal's Manchester United ahead of the two team's clash this weekend, Lineker has not always been able to possess this confidence. Following the appointment of Claudio Ranieri in the summer, the World Cup Golden Boot winner tweeted (@GaryLineker):
"Claudio Ranieri? Really?"
On the other hand, his opinions of the enthusiastic Italian appear to have changed. Telling BBC Radio Leicester that he was "absolutely delighted", it's clear to see that the former Inter Milan boss is no longer perceived as an "uninspiring choice" and in the words of Lineker: "long may that continue".