be a big test for him (in Fridays exhibition game) against Russia.

Former Leicester defender Steve Walsh believes his old club are geared to win the Premier League title this season. The Foxes extended their lead at the top of the table to five points following a 1-0 home win over Newcastle United on Monday evening.Walsh, who won the League Cup with Leicester in 1997, believes the manner of their victory over Rafael Benitezs relegation-threatened side will give them a timely lift ahead of the run-in. They grinded out a 1-0 win and its a clean sheet. Its another confidence boost to go into the next game, he told Sky Sports News HQ. Title race predictions Ray Wilkins and Davie Provan make their top of the table picks They are fearless, the players. I think they have dealt with the pressure very well. Its a nice position to be in, but a different kind of pressure from last year.Former Wigan and Norwich defender Walsh says Claudio Ranieris will never have a better opportunity to win the Premier League, and is urging them to go out and secure the prize. Steve Walsh made over 350 league appearances for Leicester between 1986 and 2000 When you get this close, you wonder - will you get another chance like this? I dont know, and itd be great if we could take his opportunity, added Walsh.I think were good enough. The squad is good enough - I think we are geared to win it. I dont think theyre looking at second, third or fourth - they are determined to win this now. Claudio Ranieris side can extend their lead to eight points with a win at Crystal Palace on Saturday Ranieri takes his team to Crystal Palace on Saturday, looking to extend their lead to eight points, with second-placed Tottenham not playing until Sunday. Also See: Ranieri praises Leicester spirit Okazaki sends Foxes five clear Arsenal, City out of title race Premier League title predictions Dwight Powell Jersey . On Saturday, the paths of Drew Tate and Kevin Glenn cross again as opposing quarterbacks. Dwight Powell Mavericks Jersey . Paul, MN (SportsNetwork. http://www.mavericksteamofficial.info/kostas-antetokounmpo-mavericks-jersey/ . Still, Milan remained five points behind city rival Inter Milan in the race for fifth place and the final Europa League berth, after Inter beat 10-man Parma 2-0. Meanwhile, Paul Pogba led the way as Juventus stayed on course for a third consecutive title with a 1-0 win over relegation-threatened Bologna. Luka Doncic Mavericks Jersey . Ted Ligety, Mikaela Shiffrin, Bode Miller and Tim Jitloff underlined the squads enormous potential on the Rettenbach glacier in Austria. Jalen Brunson Mavericks Jersey . - The Seattle Seahawks have signed nine players to 2014 future contracts, including quarterback B.ST. CATHARINES, Ont. - Lawson Crouse looks around the ice and knows hes in unfamiliar territory. The youngest player in Canadas world junior camp hasnt skated alongside many of these teammates before because hes only 17.But on an older team that will feature more than a dozen 19-year-olds, Crouse is part of the youth contingent that must factor in for Canada to live up to expectations as the favourite on home ice. Aside from projected No. 1 pick Connor McDavid, Crouse is the only other 2015 NHL draft-eligible player at camp but isnt intimidated by that.Its a different experience for myself, but I think Im making the most of it right now, Crouse said. Being a bigger body kind of helps. Im bigger out there, so I kind of have a little bit more of an advantage to the smaller guys.Crouse, who is six foot four and 211 pounds, brings a strong two-way game that could land him a solid spot on the 22-man roster. While this Canadian lineup is long on pure skill and speed, Crouse prides himself on his defensive game.Ive figured out that its not always about offence, but you have to manage both sides of the game, the Mount Brydges, Ont., native said Tuesday. Im obviously not going to be the guy that puts up 100 points. Im going to do what I can and contribute all over the ice.Last summer Crouse led Canadas under-18 summer team to gold at the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup by scoring a team-high six goals. Crouse also scored the game-winner to help Canada win bronze at the U-18 world championships in April.If he makes the world junior team, Crouse understands hell have a reduced role as a bottom-six winger.I feel like Id have to be an energy guy, take advantage of the shifts I get if I make the team and always be positive on the bench and in the room, he said.But Crouse isnt an insignificant piece of Canadas team, especially considering Bo Horvat wont be coming from the Vancouver Canucks and its unlikely Curtis Lazar will be joining from the Ottawa Senators.Crouse impressed coach Benoit Groulx during the recent Super Series against Russia in Kingston, Ont., and he continues to stand out in camp.Hes a big body, knows how to play, Groulx said. Hes physically strong for 17 years old, skates well, plays with poise, and we like what he brings to the table.Through the first two days of camp at Meridian Centre in St. Catharines, Crouse has skated on a line with Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Frederik Gauthier and Vancouver Canucks prospect Jake Virtanen.So far, Crouse doesnt look like hes a step — or a year or two — behind anyone.Hes playing up with us and he fits right in with the guys, Virtanen ssaid.dddddddddddd. Hes really mature for his age. Just on the ice, he has a big presence on the ice and hes a bigger guy. He can throw the body around and he can shoot the puck. He pretty much has it all.Certainly Horvat or Lazar would fit in nicely, as well. As of now, the only NHL player Canada has is New York Rangers right-winger Anthony Duclair.The Canucks announced Monday that Horvat would be staying with them instead of playing at the world juniors, news that was a bit of a downer for Hockey Canada.Its disappointing, but I understand where they are, vice-president of hockey operations and national teams Scott Salmond said Tuesday. The injury to (Zack) Kassian I think had a big impact on that.Likewise, injuries to the Senators could be the reason they keep Lazar. With Chris Neil and Zack Smith hurt, its increasingly unlikely Lazar will be released to play for Canada.Thats not stopping Salmond from hoping, though.They havent said no. Until someone tells us no, Im optimistic, Salmond said. Were all happy with our group here. But Curtis Lazar could be a huge piece for us. Hes a leader, hes a proven winner.Of the 25 players left at camp after the first round of cuts, 16 of them are 19 years old, seven are 18 and just two are 17. With the 17-year-old McDavid a virtual lock to make it, Groulx said Crouse didnt have to stand out any more than anyone else to get noticed.Hes here because hes a good player and he has a chance to be on that team, Groulx said. Well see how he does this week. Obviously its going to be a big test for him (in Fridays exhibition game) against Russia.That exhibition game will be played at Torontos Air Canada Centre. McDavid, meanwhile, is not scheduled to play in Fridays game, Groulx said.The teams brass still needs to make decisions on which player will serve as captain and who the No. 1 goaltender will be — Zach Fucale or Eric Comrie.Groulx said the coaching staff is still in an evaluation process on the leadership group, watching players as they interact off the ice and at team meals. But now that the roster is in less of a state of flux with Horvat ruled out, the rest of the week is a chance for this group to gel.To be honest, were comfortable with the players we have here, Groulx said. My focus is really on this team here, on the players we have ... were really happy with this group, with the way it works, the way they do things out there. I dont look anywhere else right now.---Follow @SWhyno on Twitter.Note to readers: This is a corrected story. A previous version misspelled Crouses hometown of Mount Brydges as Mouth Brydges. ' ' '