Noel Whelan believes Patrick Bamford could be key to Leeds United promotion

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Leeds United picked up a crucial win against Swansea City in the Championship yesterday. Goals from birthday boy Pontus Jansson and Jack Harrison secured all three points, with Oli McBurnie’s late penalty just a consolation in a 2-1 win. With Preston beating Norwich City, Leeds are now back at the top of the Championship.

Speaking on West Yorkshire Sport before the game, former Leeds striker Noel Whelan has been speaking about one of the current attackers at Elland Road.

Patrick Bamford, signed in the summer for a fee reported by the Daily Mail to be in the region of £7 million, has had a tough first season at Elland Road. A couple of knee injuries have prevented his impact.

Now he is back in the starting line-up but is still looking slightly short of his best in front of goal. A shocking miss v Middlesbrough and failed headed chance against Swansea highlighted that. But Whelan believes that he simply just needs more football and could be the key that unlocks promotion for Leeds.

“If we can keep him fit between now and the end of the season he might be that key.

“His hold up play, his movement, his touch is fantastic. He’s had opportunities to get shots off but hasn’t taken it. That comes with match practice and a little bit of sharpness with strikers.”

Bamford is clearly a talented striker at this level and if he can start scoring goals regularly then Leeds might just have the edge when it comes to the tight race for promotion to the Premier League.

The 25-year-old just needs time and faith. Then Leeds fans will see what he’s really all about.