Skip to content

Leicester City's Demarai Gray admits frustration at his lack of football at club

Demarai Gray in action during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Bournemouth
Image: Demarai Gray is looking to get his head down and earn more game time at Leicester

Demarai Gray has admitted he is frustrated by the lack of football he is experiencing at Leicester.

The 21-year-old forward remains a target for Bournemouth, with manager Eddie Howe watching him in action for England U21s at the Vitality Stadium on Tuesday evening.

Gray scored England's opening goal and was a consistent attacking threat as they beat Latvia 3-0 - Tammy Abraham and Kasey Palmer were also on target.

"Did I think I was going to leave Leicester? There were a few bids flying around," Gray said.

"There was interest and a lot going on. Obviously, I was away with the U21s so that took my mind off it a little bit. But a lot was going on.

BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 05:  Demarai Gray (C) of England celebrates scoring the 1st England goal with Tammy Abraham (L) and Kyle Walker-Peters dur
Image: Gray (C) celebrates his goal for England U21 with Tammy Abraham (L) and Kyle Walker-Peters

"Leicester sat me down and told me how they were going to use me and the impact they see me having on the team. But deadline day is manic and you never know what is going to happen.

"I am not happy with the amount of football I am playing. I respect the manager [Craig Shakespeare] and he picks his team.

Also See:

"But I want to play as much as possible in the Premier League and at the moment that is not the case.

"I have just have to get my head down and get on with it and come off the bench or whatever, play well in a cup game and give the manager a headache.

"But I just get so frustrated when I don't play and the manager knows I just want to play.

Leicester boss Craig Shakespeare wants Demarai Gray to stay at the club.
Image: Gray admits he has to respect the decisions of Leicester boss Craig Shakespeare

"I respect Eddie Howe as a manager and it was nice to score in front of their fans. I was aware of their interest in the window but I am still a Leicester player at the end of the day.

"The hardest part of football is the mental side. I've learnt over the last 18 months how to deal with the frustration of not playing. I want to play in every game and when I don't play I am disappointed.

"I have to work hard to not be disappointed all the time and try to get myself into the team."

Super 6 £1m jackpot
Super 6 £1m jackpot

There will be a guaranteed millionaire made this weekend. Enter your predictions for free here.

Around Sky