AT LEAST Robbie Savage managed to stay on his feet, but Leicester, one of the most likely candidates to fall from the Premiership, remain considerably firmer in that role than their acrobatic midfielder's footing.

When a manager admits to "a lot of pleasure" at seeing his team draw goalless at home to a side that is still finding its way at the highest level, the signs are ominous. The more positive thinking among the Filbert Street faithful - and count manager Peter Taylor as their spokesman - can point to Leicester's first clean sheet in the League since March.

The realists, well aware that Fulham have now gone five matches without winning, will view this as two more points dropped, which could prove costly come May. Leicester did not really deserve to lose, but they hardly deserved to win, either.

Savage, effectively accused by the Football Association of trying to get his opponent sent off after Ipswich goalkeeper Matteo Sereni was given permission to face Manchester United yesterday, did what he does best. He skirmished in central areas, he knocked one or two telling passes and he even broke forward to unleash a shot from long range.

Deciding against chancing his luck by trying to win a penalty in his own characteristic style after dubious incidents against Ipswich and Derby in the preceding fortnight, he was notably absent from Fulham's 18-yard area. Few could deny that Leicester's scoring potential was minimised as a result.

Fulham had no complaints about Savage's input. Lee Clark repeatedly came into confrontation with the Welsh international and admitted later: "He's a committed player and there were no problems out there today. He gives everything for Leicester and is a player that has got passion."

Taylor was only too willing to agree. "The amount of ground Robbie covers is enormous and some of his play today was terrific," said the Leicester manager. "People just don't give him enough credit but I'm delighted with him and that's all that matters."

The manager refuses to be so understanding of some of his other players. Ade Akinbiyi may have cost £5m but he was banished from even the substitutes' bench after some dismal performances of late. Frank Sinclair's afternoon lasted an embarrassing 32 minutes before he was hauled off as a liability after a clumsy tackle earned him a booking.

Regardless of Savage's commitment and industry, Leicester looked in danger of being overrun by Fulham's slick passing play in the first 45 minutes, typified by an atrocious defensive header that should have handed the visitors the lead - only for Lee Clark to shoot directly at goalkeeper Ian Walker.

Fortunately for Taylor, Louis Saha seems to have lost his early-season exuberance, while £11.5m Steve Marlet will need a while to come to terms with life this side of the English Channel after his move from Lyon.

Leicester strikers Dean Sturridge and Jamie Scowcroft proved far more lively after the interval and both were presented with chances which could have clinched a first home win of the season for the team that was about to go top of the Premiership exactly 12 months ago.

Leicester City:
Walker, Marshall, Elliott, Davidson, Sinclair (Rowett 33min), Savage, Wise, Izzet, Stewart (Impey 79min), Scowcroft, Sturridge

Fulham:
Van der Sar, Finnan, Melville, Knight (Symons 63min), Brevett, Boa Morte (Legwinski h-t, Malbranque 68min), Davis, Clark, Collins, Saha, Marlet

Referee:
E Wolstenholme

Attendance: 18,918