Mancini backed to emulate Sheringham

Peter Taylor is looking for Roberto Mancini to make the same impact at Leicester as Teddy Sheringham has made at Manchester United.

Taylor believes Mancini has the same quick-thinking of Sheringham which will more than compensate for any slowing down in his general play.

Mancini made a promising debut in last weekend's draw with Arsenal despite not having played competitive football for eight months.

Taylor, whose side visit Aston Villa in the FA Cup on Saturday, said: "I'm sure if Roberto had to sprint against other players in the Premiership he would lose out - but to me he is like Teddy Sheringham.

"Teddy is so much more quick-thinking than most and that's why it doesn't matter if he is not the quickest because his brain is quicker.

"I look at Roberto like that. He has got a very high intelligence and some of the one-touch stuff he showed on Saturday was something as a team we haven't had.

"He's somebody who sees things a bit earlier than others and the team have got to learn how to get him the ball, although his intelligence will get him into certain positions to receive it.

"But also our players can now be more comfortable in making runs because they should anticipate that Roberto will find them. A lot will work around him and he's going to help us have more of the ball.

"He still needs to be match fit but once we get a few more games into him he is going to be fine."

Taylor added: "We have explained to Roberto that the FA Cup is regarded totally differently to the cup competitions he plays in back home.

"In Italy it is not that important and teams often field reserve players but we've told him the cup is massive over here so he knows how important it is to us."