Gary Rowett desperately wants Lascelles but cannot justify dropping Nelson or Okoli | OneFootball

Gary Rowett says he wants to start Jamaal Lascelles but cannot justify replacing Ben Nelson or Caleb Okoli in Leicester City's back line.

LeicesterMercury.co.uk reports that Lascelles has started only once since his winter move from Newcastle and has had just 15 minutes under Rowett.

It had looked like the 32-year-old would be central after a strong display at Birmingham under Andy King, but a minor injury ruled him out of Rowett's first couple of matches. He has not forced his way back, remaining an unused substitute in the last two games.

Rowett wants Lascelles' experience and leadership on the pitch, yet he says Nelson and Okoli have repeatedly stepped up, including at Ipswich and again against Bristol City.

After the pair delivered a clean sheet to end City's six-month wait, they are likely to start again on Saturday against QPR.

Rowett also prefers not to make many changes when chasing defensive consistency, though he accepts the side can struggle for energy across three games in a week, so tweaks could still arrive this weekend.

Source: LeicesterMercury.co.uk