Claude Puel felt Jamie Vardy was “unlucky” to be sent off in Leicester’s 2-0 victory over Wolves.

The England forward was shown a straight red card with 25 minutes remaining after catching Matt Doherty with a high challenge.

Doherty, who was forced off injured as a result of the tackle, had earlier headed in an own goal to put Leicester ahead, with James Maddison marking his home debut with a deflected strike to seal the win.

Vardy now faces a three-match ban although Puel believes the striker – who signed a new four-year deal earlier in the month – was unfortunate to be given his marching orders by referee Mike Dean.

“It was not his intention to make a foul and he touched the ball,” the Leicester boss said after the game.

“He was enthusiastic and it is a pity. We need now to find a solution to replace him and it will be a good opportunity for another player to show their quality.

“Perhaps after touching the ball he touches the player. It was not aggressive and he has been unlucky with this tackle.”

Although he defended Vardy, the Frenchman would not be drawn on whether the club would appeal against the decision.

Puel, who was under immediate pressure following an opening-day defeat at Manchester United, admitted his side were pushed by newly-promoted Wolves but was pleased with the response of his players.

“It was difficult to defend against this team,” he added. “They like to take width with a lot of switches and the first 20 minutes were not enough and then we had to correct defensive aspects in this moment.

“We changed the system to three centre-backs and had more stability – I’m pleased it was a tough game because we saw the character of the team. In these difficulties we showed responsibility, a positive attitude and a fighting spirit.”

Wolves coach Nuno Espirito Santo saw his side hit the woodwork on three occasions as Joao Moutinho, Raul Jimenez and Jonny all saw their efforts come back off the frame of the goal.

The visitors passed up several other chances, especially with the game goalless, and Nuno has called on them to be more clinical.

“I’m disappointed about the result, we started very well and created chances, managing the game very well,” he said.

“We should score, we had chances enough to do it, we have to improve and in the other box we don’t have luck. After Leicester go down to 10 men we should do more, there is a lot of work in front of us.

“We (need to be) more ruthless and clinical – this is how we work, control the game, create chances and now we must score.”