Leicester City news from LeicestershireLive as Real Madrid and England star Jude Bellingham reacts to Conor Coady making his first appearance for the Foxes against Liverpool at Anfield

Conor Coady was delighted to belatedly make his Leicester City debut against hometown club Liverpool – and received a special message from England teammate Jude Bellingham.

Coady was handed his first competitive appearance in a Leicester shirt at Anfield on Wednesday night as Enzo Maresca’s side were eventually beaten 3-1 in the third round of the Carabao Cup. The defender has only just recovered from an injury he picked up in pre-season following his £7.5million summer transfer from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

He was one of 10 changes made by Maresca from the team that started Saturday’s Championship win over Bristol City. Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp also made 10 changes and the hosts were initially stunned by an early opener from Kasey McAteer.

Leicester led 1-0 at half-time but the Reds came roaring back after the break. Cody Gakpo levelled before Dominik Szoboszlai put Liverpool in front with an unstoppable strike in the 70th minute. Diogo Jota rounded off the victory with a cheeky backheel late on to send Klopp’s side through to the last 16 of the competition.

Maresca was proud of his team’s efforts, with Coady also pleased with his evening’s work despite the eventual scoreline. The central defender posted on Instagram: “What a feeling to finally put this shirt on… keep pushing us foxes.

Coady finished his post with emojis of a blue heart and a fox. And he received a response from Real Madrid star Bellingham, who simply replied: “Leader”.

Leicester will be hoping Coady can indeed prove to be a leader within the squad this season as they aim to secure a swift return to the Premier League following the club’s shock relegation last term. They current top the Championship on goal difference, having won seven of their eight fixtures so far.

City also replied to Coady’s post, with the message: “Great to see you out there.” Leicester are back in league action on Sunday, when they take on Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park in the early kick-off (12pm).