Vardy equals Van Nistelrooy's EPL consecutive games goal record

England international Vardy struck in first-half stoppage-time at St James' Park.

Dutch striker van Nistelrooy's streak was spread over two seasons, starting against Fulham on March 22, 2003 and ending against Newcastle on August 23, 2003, with eight goals coming in the 2002/03 campaign and two in 2003/04.

By contrast, all of Vardy's goals in consecutive Leicester games have come this season, starting on August 29 against Bournemouth.

Vardy admitted equalling the record in another win for high-flying Leicester made it a perfect day.

He also gave credit to the club's medical staff, who ensured he was fit enough to play after missing England's recent friendlies with a hip injury.

"I have matched Ruud van Nistelrooy's record and we have got the three points and clean sheet," he said.

"The physios have done brilliantly to get me fit today. We know we can cause teams problems and are solid at the back too.

"We have a never say die attitude and will fight for each other until the end."

The 28-year-old Vardy, who only scored four league goals last season, cut inside Moussa Sissoko to give Leicester a 1-0 lead.

Vardy has now scored 13 league goals so far this season and fittingly he can move ahead of van Nistelrooy when United visit the King Power Stadium next weekend.

"We'll see what happens next week now against Manchester United," Vardy added.

Leicester manager Claudio Ranieri added: "It is good for Jamie Vardy and everybody. He is very confident and the team-mates believe something can happen when he gets the ball.

"I also had Gabriel Batistuta score in 11 consecutive matches, but Jamie came from the non-league and he looks very confident.

"It's not easy to equalise a big champion like van Nistelrooy. I want to say, 'Well done and thank you!'

"I'm very, very happy for his performance. When a manager has a striker who is scoring goals, he's very happy.

"I want to say it's a great achievement. I hope he can beat it in the next match."

Vardy is still short of all the time English top-flight record for goals in an unbroken run of 12 club matches set by the late Jimmy Dunne of Sheffield United in the old First Division in the 1931/32 season.

Stan Mortensen scored in 15 consecutive First Division appearances for Blackpool in 1950/51, but they were not consecutive games for his club, with Mortensen having two breaks for injuries during the run.