Fredi Still Flying

Fredi Kanoute is confident he will be fit to play at Leicester City next Saturday.

After converting the opening goal of the game against Arsenal at the weekend, the Frenchman was substituted at half time with a thigh problem, but insists: "I'm not injured as such - I came off as a precaution as my thigh was a bit stiff, but it is not bad."

It was certainly a productive first 45 minutes for Fredi, who was returning from a five game lay-off because of a hamstring injury.

"I am pleased but I would have been more so if my fitness would go without interruption and I wouldn't be injured any more," he says.

"I am happy but I would have been happier if we had won because I think we could have.

"We let them back in after we scored and we shouldn't have done that, but it is a good point."

Possibly the last man you want to face when trying to settle back into the pace of the Premiership is Sol Campbell, the highest paid defender in the Premiership, but Fredi came through the examination with flying colours.

"It is always difficult but I tried to concentrate on playing the game and making a lot of runs to suggest some positions for my team mates. It is hard against Campbell, but I'm happy to have scored."

The goal was, of course, a 'made in France' affair with Seb Schemmel providing the assist, and Fredi reveals it has been a long time coming.

"We try to do this often - before every game I say 'give me the ball like this' and this time it worked so I'm happy for him - it was a fantastic cross.

"I'd like him to score so maybe I can set one up for him one day."

After now taking points from all of the top five except Liverpool, Fredi cautions against complacency.

Leicester City may, on paper, be an easier proposition than Old Trafford, but he says: "I think maybe we are more concentrated when we have big games like that and everybody is motivated in the dressing room before the game - I think that makes the difference.

"Maybe we are a bit less motivated against the 'smaller' sides.

"Leicester are still near the bottom and we have to take advantage of this. I think it is possible - if we play as we did on Saturday."