Club captain Daniel Bentley remains key states Andy King after recent withdrawal from side

Andy King says Daniel Bentley is still playing an influential role in the changing room despite his recent drop out of the side.

Academy graduate Max O’Leary has been between the sticks for the last three matches with Bentley taking his place on the bench.

It’s been a move by Nigel Pearson which has caught the attention of some given Bentley’s role as captain.

Pearson though reiterated a few weeks back every position is the team is up for grabs, with O’Leary taking that the past few games.

Despite not playing for the last few games though, the skipper is still playing a part in psyching the players up before matches.

“Bents is still very much involved,” the Welsh midfielder said. “He’s only missed one or two games this season, it’s not like he’s been out of action for very long.

“He’s a top captain, the captain of the club and the one who is still leading by example. He’s still getting the lads up before the game and he’s handled it absolutely brilliantly. I can’t speak highly enough of him. He is still the one everyone will go to if they need anything.”

If Pearson persists with O’Leary then there will be a debate on who could be awarded the captains armband.

Matty James, who is back in the squad after being rested last week, wore it in the game against QPR, before King had it in the match against Fulham in the FA Cup.

King has worn the captain’s armband on many occasions for a few different clubs but says that his role in the team doesn’t change.

“I wouldn’t say I change, I’ve had it a lot of the times, I had it at Leicester. It doesn’t make me feel like I need to change whether I have it.

“Bents is the club captain, he knows the senior players are there to support him and as when he needs anything.

“No matter who wears the armband for me, it’s about having as many leaders on the pitch as we possibly can, it’s about everyone taking responsibility.”

Given his experience in the game, where he has captained Leicester from League One to the Premier League title, King possesses leadership qualities in the game.

Many players who have come forward and have put praise on the likes of King and James for their role in their development.

Ayman Benarous, Alex Scott, Han-Noah Massengo and Tyreeq Bakinson have all played alongside the experienced duo over the course of the season so far.

All of whom have been able to learn from their teammates experience to become smarter in the game

“I don’t think it’s a case of them coming up to us in the training ground saying I need this or this,” he said.

“It’s more perhaps something like in a split second, perhaps saying to open your body up or try and have one less touch. Even encouragement by saying something like that was brilliant.

“To think that those lads are 18 and playing the way that they are is absolutely outstanding. They get the plaudits because they are that young.

“You have Han who is only 20, the young players here are brilliant. They are going to make mistakes as do older players but they’ve got the attitude to learn. I think that is why those particular players will go to the top.

It’s a credit to try and help those lads, it is the biggest compliment you can pay at that age.

“I think the way that they have been coached here has been really good and that they are happy. It doesn’t surprise me to see them being confident.”