A stirring FA Cup run for Jamie Vardy is set to continue this weekend with the prospect of the Leicester striker facing a graduate from his own V9 Academy.

Leicester were drawn against Vardy's former club Fleetwood in the third round, with the 31-year-old playing 10 minutes of the replay at the King Power Stadium.

On Saturday the Foxes face Peterborough, who last summer signed Alex Penny from Nuneaton Town after the defender had impressed during his trial at Vardy's academy.

Penny, who used to work in a restaurant while playing for Nuneaton, is not too daunted by the prospect of marking the England international and thinks he may even be quicker than Vardy in a foot race.

"Everyone has been saying that when the ball goes in the channel it's a race between me and him and he's nervous because he knows I'm going to burn him, I know I am faster than him," joked Penny.

Vardy, who said he will definitely swap shirts with Penny after the game, replied: "It will be interesting but we will wait and see as there haven't been that many people who can catch me.

"Hopefully though he will have a good game, but not too good as obviously Leicester want to be getting through to the next round. It will be a good experience for us both."

The V9 Academy is into its second year and has expanded its search for non-league players who are good enough to become professional.

Four players made the step up last year and Vardy hopes to at least match that number again this time round.

"We set a target and we hit it but there is loads and loads of talent out there," said Vardy, speaking at a press conference to promote the official launch of the Class of 2018 at the V9 Academy.

"We have opened it up to Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales this time as well to showcase more talent and give more players an opportunity.

"We are aiming to get four players signed up professionally again and I'm over the moon about that but hopefully we will get more."

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