Fulham boss Claudio Ranieri says Jean Michael Seri has his backing.

Seri was in strong form as Fulham were held to a 1-1 draw with Leicester on Wednesday.

"It's important he continues to play, because I believe he can improve more," said Ranieri of his midfield general.

"In Nice he played so well two years ago, he was fantastic. In the newspapers it was that Barcelona wanted him.

"Maybe he stayed there in Nice and his confidence went down a little - maybe he wanted to go, but he stayed in Nice, and the second year was so-so.

"For this reason Fulham had the chance to buy him, and for me he's a very, very important central midfielder. He's a key player, because a lot of the play goes through him, and the other midfielders."