Noel Whelan reacts to Patrick Bamford’s display in Leeds win

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Noel Whelan has told BBC Radio Leeds (broadcast on 7/3; 17:09) that Patrick Bamford is invaluable to Leeds United after the striker bagged a goal in their 2-0 win over Huddersfield Town on Saturday.

Bamford went into the game having not scored in his previous seven appearances for the Whites. And with Tyler Roberts bagging a brace at Hull the previous week, the striker may have felt a little pressure as he looks to hold onto his spot.

But the 26-year-old did end that wait for a goal against the Terriers. He was on hand to tuck the ball home after Ben White’s header had forced Jonas Lossl into an incredible save.

It was immediately clear how much the goal meant to Bamford. And his teammates seemed just as delighted for the Englishman as Leeds secured the win that sent them top of the Championship.

And Whelan insisted that Bamford’s contributions have been hugely significant – even in the games when he is not finding the back of the net.

“I think what people have to realise and it’s sometimes difficult when you’re sitting in the stands and you’re seeing a number nine and it should be all about the goals. It’s not, he adds so much more to the game,” he told BBC Radio Leeds.

“He’s so important to the way we play and some of the work that he does, it just goes unnoticed by a lot of people. But if you ask every single player in that side how helpful it is to have a striker that works across that 18-yard box, comes back and defends corners and set-pieces with the height that he has, it’s invaluable.”

Bamford has come in for plenty of criticism during his time at Elland Road. But those supporters inside the ground have rarely failed to back him at every opportunity.

There has been a lot of praise for the striker’s performances. There have been times when he has been a clear contender for man of the match without scoring – most notably perhaps, when Leeds beat West Brom at home back in October.

But it would be fantastic for Leeds if Saturday’s goal acts as a catalyst. The Whites are in a fantastic position in the Championship table.

And one stunning run – he scored six goals in eight games leading up to Christmas – could prove decisive for the promotion-chasers.