LEICESTER City captain Wes Morgan has defended manager Claude Puel’s team selection and claimed that Newport County AFC did not deserve to beat his side 2-1 at Rodney Parade.

Under-pressure Puel made seven changes for the game at League Two County, who are 74 places below the Foxes.

That decision sparked criticism from fans and in the media before and after the game.

"If you look at the chances and opportunities we had, we could have won that game quite easily," Morgan said.

"We've got a good squad and the gaffer's got the problem of finding the right balance."

Jamie Vardy, Harry Maguire, Kasper Schmeichel, Ben Chilwell, Ricardo Pereira, Wilfred Ndidi and Nampalys Mendy were all left out by Puel for the trip to Rodney Parade.

Leicester's Rachid Ghezzal equalised after Jamille Matt's opener before Michael Flynn’s men scored an 85th-minute winner through a Padraig Amond penalty after Marc Albrighton's handball.

"He's got to give players rest and other players opportunities," added Morgan.

"It's the same for every manager and every team – and I thought we were definitely strong enough."

South Wales Argus:

Puel (above) also left out Vardy and made changes to his starting line-up when Leicester were knocked out of the Carabao Cup in the quarter-finals, beaten in a penalty shoot-out by Manchester City.

However, in the league, his side have registered wins against Chelsea, Manchester City and Everton during the festive period.

"It was a difficult day and the magic of the FA Cup happened, definitely," Morgan said.

"I felt we played well, especially in the second half.

"We had loads of half-chances, some very good positions where we should score, and on another day they all go in.

"But it didn't happen for us and we're very disappointed to go out of the competition.

"I wouldn't say they deserved it, but I don't want to take the shine away from Newport.

"It's a big day for Newport and good luck to them."