Harry Winks: Leicester City midfielder's passing ability crucial in promotion push - BBC Sport

Harry Winks: Leicester City midfielder's passing ability crucial in promotion push

Harry Winks celebrates victiory over Sheffield Wednesday with head coach Enzo Maresca
Harry Winks celebrates victiory over Sheffield Wednesday with head coach Enzo Maresca

Midfielder Harry Winks says he is keeping a close eye on his passing statistics as Leicester City look to secure promotion to the Premier League.

They moved 12 points clear at the top of the Championship following Tuesday's 2-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday.

And the former Tottenham player has made more than 2,600 passes in the league this season, with 90% accuracy.

"I'm proud of that, it's what I'm in the team to do," 28-year-old Winks told BBC Radio Leicester.

"Others are in the team to score and assist - my job is to keep us ticking, help us control the game.

"The way I can do that is by getting on the ball as much as I can, serving the front players - who have the quality to go on and score - and being the link between back and front."

Leicester have left their rivals trailing in their wake as they look to return to the top flight, following last season's relegation.

But Winks added: "For me the first thing I look at [after a game] is how many passes I made and what the percentage [accuracy] was - as long as it's above 90% and we win, that's my job done.

"I'm really enjoying the system we play and the way the manager wants to play."

Winks said the win over the Owls was a "massive step" as it coincided with Southampton's 25-match unbeaten run being ended by Bristol City.

It now appears to be a three-horse race for the second promotion spot between Leeds, who went second by beating Swansea 4-0, Southampton and Ipswich Town.

"We've got good momentum and are happy with the performance," added Winks.

"We need a good run of wins to keep us away from second and third because the competition is so high. At the moment, it's a good lead, but we can't stop now."

Leicester are at home again on Saturday when they take on mid-table Middlesbrough, who are one of only four teams to beat them in the Championship this term, having won 1-0 on Teesside in November.

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