Dennis Wise's return to Leicester ended in misery as the Foxes inflicted a comprehensive defeat on Millwall at the Walkers Stadium.

Former Foxes hero Steve Claridge gave the visitors a shock lead with only 18 seconds gone.

But two goals from James Scowcroft and further strikes from Matt Elliott and Paul Dickov allowed Leicester a measure of revenge over Wise, who is suing them for wrongful dismissal.

All the talk before the match had been about Wise, who scored a late equaliser in a fiery 2-2 draw between the sides at the New Den last month in which Brian Deane was sent off.

With away supporters banned from travelling on police advice, the atmosphere was hostile for the return of a player sacked over the incident which left Callum Davidson with a fractured cheekbone.

But a pre-match announcement from Leicester's administrators that former hero Gary Lineker's consortium will go forward with a takeover bid helped lift the mood.

However, another former Foxes hero silenced the crowd within a minute of the kick-off.

Claridge, 36, is best remembered in the East Midlands for his 1996 play-off final goal at Wembley which took Leicester into the Premiership.

But his simple close-range finish from Paul Ifill's cross stunned his former fan club in the first serious action of the match.

But the home side hit back in the 10th minute when Scowcroft met a Jordan Stewart cross from the left with a diving header to level the scores.

Lions striker Neil Harris forced an excellent save from Ian Walker with a smart header, but Leicester took the lead in the 25th minute through Matt Elliott.

Wise was booked in the second half

The Foxes defender leapt highest to head home a Muzzy Izzet free-kick from the edge of the box.

And Scowcroft extended the lead in the 51st minute, converting another Izzet free-kick with a close-range header after sneaking in unopposed at the far post.

A booking for Wise after a foul on Dickov in the 70th minute brought another roar of delight from the 31,904 crowd.

And Dickov served up goal number four after 76 minutes following a neat chipped pass from Scowcroft, and Wise trudged off sheepishly at the final whistle.

Leicester: Walker, Impey, Elliott, Heath, Rogers, Summerbee, McKinlay, Izzet, Stewart, Dickov, Scowcroft. Subs: Benjamin, Stevenson, Lewis, Jones, Flowers.

Millwall: Warner, Lawrence, Phillips, Nethercott, Ryan, Ifill, Roberts, Wise, Reid, Claridge, Harris. Subs: Gueret, Robinson, Braniff, Hearn, Bull.

Referee: M Fletcher (Worcestershire)