First of all, Happy St. Georges Day! With the World Cup on the horizon, I’m starting to feel rather patriotic and optimistic about England’s chances this summer. But before we can think too much about that, we’ve got the small matter of promotion to Premier League for the Republic of Leicester City to focus on.

It was a fantastic win against Watford last Saturday and the players showed great quality and fight to win the game after going down to ten men. With the teams around us in the league also winning, it was vital we kept pace and put in a positive performance, and the lads seem to be gaining momentum at the perfect time.

That’s three wins on the bounce, with eight goals scored and just two conceded. To score four goals in one game at this stage of the season is a great effort, especially against a team fighting for their lives at the bottom of the table.

Paul Gallagher’s left-foot volley was a touch of class and probably the decisive strike, coming so soon after Martyn Waghorn’s opener and just before half-time.

The penalty decision for the first goal was a bit dubious. I’ve still not seen a replay. It was difficult to tell how much contact there was at the time and the referee seemed to take an age to make up his mind. It was probably a bit of a lucky one, but we’ve not been on the end of many favourable decisions this season, particularly at home, so we’ll take what we can get!

I read this week that Waggy’s been practising his penalty technique in training with Gerry Taggart. It certainly paid off on Saturday as he tucked the ball away nicely from 12 yards. I never had Taggs down as a penalty specialist, but one thing is for sure, when he hits a ball with that left foot it stays hit!

At 2-0 up the lads were cruising, that’s until Steve Howard gave the referee the perfect opportunity to even things up by lunging into a challenge on the touchline. I think a red card was a little harsh, but Howard’s tackle was definitely reckless, even if he looked to get something on the ball.

It was a bit of a scissors challenge and the reaction of the Hornets players, swarming around Howard, certainly influenced the referees’ decision. It’s a shame for Steve as he was linking the play up well and has found some good form of late. But, now he’ll miss the next three games at a crucial stage of the season.

Obviously with my record for red cards, I can’t be too critical, but he didn’t need to get involved with a challenge in that area of the pitch and we will miss the different qualities he offers. That will mean that Matty Fryatt’s back in contention sooner rather than later, probably the final home game of the season against Middlesbrough.

I was impressed by the way Nigel Pearson reacted to going down to ten men. Instead of going defensive and keeping one up top, he chose to replace Gallagher with James Vaughan, bringing on a striker for a winger, and that seized any initiative Watford might have had with the extra man.

Vaughan’s pace and strength alongside Martyn Waghorn’s work rate kept the Watford defence and midfield occupied, ensuring there was always an outlet for the rest of the team.

I was impressed with Vaughan and fellow goalscorer Jay Spearing, whose energy, passing ability and battling qualities have provided a timely boost for City during the run-in.

We’re so close now that I don’t really want to mention the P word. One more win and we’re there and it would be great if we could get those three points away to my hometown team, Preston, on Saturday.

Deepdale is never an easy place to go and even though North End haven’t got anything to play for now they’re safe, that might give them the freedom to play a more attacking game. They did us 2-1 at the Walkers earlier in the season and knocked us out of the League Cup by the same scoreline. They were probably in better shape back then, but I’m sure they’ll make it tough for City at the weekend.

I’d like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to former Leicester City Chairman Terry Shipman, who sadly passed away last Friday. Terry was Chairman when I signed for the club and played a big part in bringing me in. That’s where it all started and I’ll always remember him for that.

He was a really nice bloke and a proper football man. I remember that Terry loved his golf and used to organise a golf day for the whole squad at Rothley. Afterwards he put on these massive steaks and really looked after everyone. Terry’s funeral is Monday and I hope to be there to pay my respects.

I mentioned the World Cup earlier and I’ll finally get my hands on the famous trophy this weekend! Well a replica anyway. I’ll be appearing at Leicester Market on Sunday afternoon for the Artisan Festival. My usual stall will be there all day selling sports merchandise and collectables. I’ll be in the Market Square between 11am and 12pm to sign autographs and pose for photos with replica World Cup and Champions League trophies.

Tickets are still available for my Neil Lennon Q&A Night at Revolution in Loughborough on May 29th. If you’re interested in buying tickets or booking a table for the event, please email steve@legendsuk.com.

For your chance to win 2 tickets to Lenny’s homecoming, visit the competitions section of the Soar Magazine website and enter the Neil Lennon competition. I won my wager last week and that’s my third success of the year, which means plenty of cash for Wishes4Kids at the end of the season. This week I’m backing Spurs to win at Old Trafford, Wigan to win at West Ham and Peterborough to grab a draw against Blackpool. Fitzy from Turner and Kendrick will again be donating a £25 bet.

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