Caretaker Dawson in impossible position before Van Nistelrooy arrival

Caretaker managers are in an impossible position, especially when everyone is aware of the incoming new boss.

Ruud van Nistelrooy is due to be named at Leicester's new manager, replacing Steve Cooper after he was sacked on Sunday, but Ben Dawson will take charge for Saturday's game at Brentford.

Facing the media on Friday, Dawson, a former Newcastle coach, kept his answers clear and concise, although in his position there is a recognition from both sides there is little he can say definitively.

Yet he was strong and assertive when speaking about Leicester players' behaviour at their Christmas party in Copenhagen at the weekend.

He deflected questions about Van Nistelrooy and his imminent arrival but was able to show a glimpse of his character, revealing he was at laser tag with his family on Sunday afternoon when he was told of Cooper's departure.

Dawson only joined from the Magpies in July and could also follow Cooper out of the door at Leicester, depending on the make-up of Van Nistelrooy's backroom staff.

He has a chance to show his credentials as a Premier League manager at Brentford on Saturday.