FORMER Oxford United boss Michael Appleton has been placed in temporary charge of Premier League Leicester City following the sacking of Craig Shakespeare.

The 41-year-old quit as U's head coach in June to take up the role of No 2 at the recent top-flight champions.

But just four months into his spell at the King Power Stadium, Appleton finds himself as caretaker manager, with his first match in charge at Swansea City on Saturday.

Shakespeare, like Appleton, signed a three-year deal with the Foxes, but he has paid the price for taking only six points from eight matches.

The Foxes are third from bottom and have not won any of their past six league matches.

Shakespeare, 53, succeeded title winner Claudio Ranieri in February, initially on a temporary basis.

He won eight of his 16 games in charge last season, and led the club to the Champions League quarter-finals.

After steering the Foxes away from trouble to finish in 12th place, he was given the job permanently in June.

His departure follows a 1-1 draw with West Brom on Monday.

Their four league defeats this season have come against Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool.