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Gray has established himself as a key part of Puel’s first-team plans since the Frenchman was appointed as Leicester’s new manager in October.
The England Under-21 international has started six of Puel’s seven Premier League games in charge, contributing three goals.
And Puel, who was sacked by Southampton in June despite leading Saints to an eighth-place finish and an EFL Cup final, admits he tried to sign the 21-year-old winger at St Mary’s.
But the 56-year-old is now relieved that he failed in his pursuit as he gets to work with the versatile attacker at the 2015/16 Premier League champions.
“I saw him last season in the Under-21 games and he can play in different positions for me,” Puel told the Leicester Mercury.
“I wanted [Demarai Gray before when I was at Southampton”
Claude Puel
“I wanted him before when I was at Southampton.
“But I am happy he is in the colours of Leicester and that I found him in my squad because he is a valuable player for the team.
“He showed the quality to control the ball and the play, but also to turn to take space because of his pace.
“His passing is good and he can create opportunities for Jamie [Vardy] and his team-mates.”
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Gray, a bit-part player under former managers Claudio Ranieri and Craig Shakespeare, recently staked his claim for England’s World Cup squad next summer.
And Puel, who has lifted Leicester to eighth in the Premier League with four wins in seven outings, has urged Gray to continue his club form to have any chance of impressing England boss Gareth Southgate.
“Time will tell whether he will play for England,” Puel added.
“The most important thing is to continue like this and then after it will be down to Gareth Southgate.
“He is just at the beginning of his career and he needs to keep working with a positive attitude.”