Jamie Vardy: Leicester City striker says he has to pinch himself

Vardy will look for a goal in his 11 consecutive game against Manchester United next Saturday

Leicester striker Jamie Vardy says he has to "pinch" himself after his record-equalling run of scoring in 10 successive Premier League games.

Vardy equalled Ruud van Nistelrooy's feat in Saturday's 3-0 win at Newcastle, a result that took the Foxes to the top of the table.

"There's a lot of hard work gone into it and long may it continue," Vardy told BBC Sport.

"Hopefully I'll keep scoring the goals to get Leicester points."

The 28-year-old, who was still playing non-league football with Fleetwood in 2012, added: "My feet are on the ground.

"I've not set myself any targets. I just wanted to improve on last year, which I've done."

Leicester's eighth win in 13 games this season - and 15th in 22 in a run dating back to last term - took the Foxes top of the Premier League, as Manchester City and Arsenal both lost.

However, with the Foxes having flirted with relegation for much of last season, Vardy says achieving safety remains their priority.

"We have to keep picking points up and as soon as we get to 40 we can reassess," said the England striker. "When we get there, we'll look at what we can achieve."

That approach is shared by Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri, who said he wants his team to "be safe".

The Italian, who took over as Foxes boss at the beginning of the season, also had praise for "great champion" Vardy.

"It is fantastic for Jamie Vardy," said Ranieri. "I also had Gabriel Batistuta at Fiorentina. He scored in 11 consecutive matches and I hope Jamie can achieve this."

Vardy will look to score for the 11th consecutive game - and break Van Nistelrooy's record - against the Dutchman's old club Manchester United next Saturday.

It will be a meeting of the Premier League's top two, with United sitting a point behind the Foxes.

The all-time record for the English top flight is goals in 12 consecutive games by Sheffield United's Jimmy Dunne in the 1931-32 season of the old First Division.