Leicester manager Claudio Ranieri praised his side's camaraderie as striker Jamie Vardy extended his goal-streak in a 2-1 win over Watford in the Premier League on Saturday.

It looked like Vardy's run of eight goals in as many league games was about to end when, with Leicester leading 1-0 courtesy of N'Golo Kante's second-half goal, the forward was brought down in the box by Watford goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes.

Riyad Mahrez, Leicester's usual penalty taker, then ceded spot-kick duties to England forward Vardy and the striker beat Brazil's Gomes.

"We have a very good spirit and a very good group," said Ranieri. "Jamie Vardy wanted to score and Riyad Mahrez gave the ball to him (to take the penalty). It was good," the Italian added.

"You know the strikers can take their moment. Sometimes for three, four, or five matches they don't score then suddenly they start to score.

"For Jamie, he started scoring from the beginning, he's in good condition and I hope he can continue," said Ranieri after Vardy scored his 12th goal in as many league games this season.

By contrast, Kante's goal was his first for Leicester

"Kante is a hard worker and he plays for all his team-mates," said Ranieri of the French midfielder. "He runs a lot. He's good and I'm very happy with him.

"He was struggling with the language (when he first arrived) but it was the same when I started at Chelsea. Football has only one language."

Victory left Leicester in third place, level on points with Premier League leaders Manchester City after their seventh win in 12 games.

However, avoiding relegation remains the immediate priority for Ranieri.

"We don't change our focus. The sooner we achieve 40 points, then we can speak about other things. For now we target 40 points."