Anthony Knockaert could be Leicester City's ace in the pack this season, believes former favourite Steve Guppy.
The popular winger, who is the only player to be capped by England at semi-professional, under-21, B and senior level, has been impressed with Knockaert's performances on City's flanks since his arrival from France last summer.
As a result, Guppy believes the France Under-21 international holds the key to unlocking packed Championship defences.
Knockaert missed the penalty at Watford in the play-off semi-final second leg, which would have put City through to Wembley and a crack at reaching the Premier League, but Guppy, inset, said that experience should have made him stronger.
"I didn't think it was a penalty in the semi-final, but fair play to the lad to step up and take it," said Guppy, who was a coach at Sunderland under his old City boss Martin O'Neill last season.
"It was a pressure situation that very few people will experience in their lives. For them to go straight up the other end and score was incredible.
"I remember when we played Leicester in pre-season last year, all the coaching staff were talking about him because he brought something different.
"He looks like the type of player who can unlock a door in a tight game.
"I think he had a good first season for Leicester. Hopefully, he will get over that disappointment at the end of the season and come back ready to put it right.
"I think he will have learned a lot last season.
"The division is so tight and a lot of teams do set up defensive minded, but it is difficult for those types of players who like to create and make things happen because quite often you are double marked.
"For him to still shine shows what a talent he is."
Guppy, who is looking to get back into coaching after leaving Sunderland when O'Neill lost his job at the club, feels City are equipped to challenge for promotion again this season.
"It won't be any easier this season," he said. "The teams that have come down from the Premier League will be there or thereabouts, but why not?
"I think Nigel Pearson has been great and done a good job.
"He has built a very solid team there so I expect them to be up there fighting for promotion with a group of others.
"It was exciting watching them last season. I only saw them on Sky really but they looked a very decent, solid Championship side.
"Nigel Pearson has built a very strong and competitive group.
"At one point it looked as though they were nailed on to go up automatically. But the Championship is so competitive, so even making the play-offs was a good effort."
