Claude Puel insists Jamie Vardy's makeover can make him a Premier League force for years.

The Frenchman has been forced to deny a rift with Vardy this season and benched him for the 3-1 defeat at Tottenham.

Vardy has claimed this season that Puel's tactics do not suit him but said he was prepared to adapt.

The former England international is expected to return to the starting line up for Saturday's visit of Crystal Palace and Puel feels Vardy appreciates what he is trying to do in prolonging his career.

He said: "From what I can see this week, I think he understands. He was very interested in the training session with good moves, good runs, good quality.

"I would like him to continue this way. For me it's the secret to continuing at a high level.

"I have a lot of patience – I'm an optimist. All players continue to work and improve until the end career. If a player stops learning and improving it's the beginning of the end for me.

"Jamie has the potential to continue for a long time. He likes football and it's important he continues to improve.

"He has the quality to combine with his team-mates and to learn good moves in the opponent's box."

Vardy came off the bench to score in the defeat at Wembley, after missing a penalty with his first touch.

He has netted eight goals in 24 games this season, taking his tally to 26 strikes in 16 months under Puel, more than any other Leicester player.

Puel added: "Jamie, he played a lot of games on counter-attack. When we play against a team deep on the pitch he can't have this space, he needs to learn, like his teammates, different moves.

"Against United he had two or three situations like this in far post but he must create this move for himself. It's a different feeling, different things,

"He's learned. He was interested in training this week he scored a great goal against Tottenham in this move."