Striker Vardy, who had not netted in his previous 11 games, kick-started a 3-0 win for the Foxes that edged the Baggies closer to the drop.

In-form Kelechi Iheanacho and Jonny Evans, against his former club, also netted first-half goals for Leicester, who remain third, four points clear of fifth-place West Ham United.

Outclassed Albion are nine points from safety and were left to rue Mbaye Diagne's early mis-kick.

They have just six games to save themselves but look destined to return to the Championship after a first-half rout at the King Power Stadium.

Still buoyant after reaching their first FA Cup final for 52 years on Sunday, the Foxes should have gone ahead after three minutes.

Conor Townsend's mistake allowed Iheanacho to run clean through but the forward - with 12 goals in his previous 12 games - took a heavy touch which allowed Sam Johnstone to force him wide.

The goalkeeper eventually blocked the shot and the Foxes nearly paid the price shortly after.

Wesley Forfana's poor head fell kindly for Matheus Pereira who calmly found Diagne six yards out, only for the striker to completely miss his kick.

Leicester survived and took charge with two quick strikes as Vardy ended his long wait for a goal after 23 minutes.

Youri Tielemans' pass split the Albion defence for Timothy Castagne to run clear and find Vardy to finish for his 15th of the season but just a second goal in 20 games.

Three minutes later it was 2-0 when Callum Robinson deflected Tielemans' corner perfectly for Evans to hammer home a header from six yards.

Leicester wrapped the game up nine minutes before the break.

Vardy glided past Townsend to tee up Iheanacho who continued his hot streak by firing the ball into the roof the net.

Australian Associated Press