Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers admits they need to start planning for life beyond Jamie Vardy.

Speaking for the first time in detail about Vardy's evolving role in his squad, Rodgers revealed Leicester will look to add a player with Vardy's characteristics in the summer.

"That time comes to all players, not just Jamie," said Rodgers. "He's been an incredible servant for the club and still has a big contribution to make for us over this season and the next couple of seasons.

"There's no doubt that with the games we're playing and the demands put on players, of course he's not going to be able to play to the same rhythm and style every single game.

"It's something we all understand within the club and for everyone in every position you have to plan forward. Our idea in the summer is to strengthen the squad again.

"Jamie is irreplaceable. You cannot find anyone there. He's such a unique story with his qualities and what he's given to Leicester in the Premier League.

"You see it on lots of occasions, can you find the replica of that type of player? For us, it's more about the actual profile of player we want. I will always look to have speed at the top of the field, but there are other attributes we would look for."

Rodgers admitted that had Leicester been carrying fewer injuries, he would have tried to ease Vardy's workload during the season.

Rodgers added: "It's been unfortunate for Jamie that we haven't been able to take him out so much, after the injury that he's had. He's had to play a lot of games where ideally because of the situation that we're in we wouldn't want to.

"He always makes himself available and he's still such a threat even when he's not 'in' the game. He's always there because it only takes just one moment of quality and brilliance to get a goal. I still think there's a lot more left in the tank yet."