Jamie Vardy believes Leicester have proved their credentials in the title race ahead of their top two showdown with Liverpool.

The Foxes host the runaway leaders on Boxing Day aiming to close the 10-point gap.

Brendan Rodgers’ men, second in the Premier League, suffered their first defeat since losing at Anfield in October after they were beaten 3-1 at Manchester City on Saturday.

They also beat Monterrey in their semi-final in Doha with their trip meaning they have a game in hand on their title rivals.

Jurgen Klopp’s side have not lost in the league since January 3 and Vardy dismissed any suggestions their travels to the Middle East will have a negative impact.

“I don’t think that comes into it at all,” he told the club’s official site.

“Every professional footballer is obviously prepared to play games no matter where they are.

“They’ve been on a plane, and I’m sure the recovery would have been done on the plane, so they’ll be fresh and ready to go. We know we have to be at our best.”