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Ray Parlour has admitted he made a mistake pre-season by writing off the chances of Leeds United’s Patrick Bamford being a success in the Premier League.

Bamford, who has received plenty of doubters in his career, has been one of several shining lights this season at Elland Road.

The left-footed striker has a phenomenal return of 16 goals and eight assists for the Whites this campaign in the league, who have guaranteed themselves a top half finish in the table.

He’s been a centre-forward that has enjoyed success in the Championship, but in the past it never quite happened for him when given brief Premier League chances.

However, the 27-year-old is now the leading frontman for a Premier League club.

His development under Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa has been astronomical, and that’s why plenty believe he should get a first senior call-up by England for this summer’s European Championships.

Pundit and ex-Arsenal player Parlour has held his hands up by saying he misjudged Bamford.

“He’s probably going to miss out on the Euros. Bamford has done really well. I certainly questioned him last year. I thought he missed quite a few chances in the Championship, and I thought you won’t get as many in the Premier League. But he’s certainly proved me wrong, well done to him,” Parlour told talkSPORT.

TBR’s View:

Bamford has been one of the best strikers in the division this season without doubt, something which few would have predicted before a ball was kicked.

The £35,000-a-week star is so effective in Bielsa’s system with his non-stop running for 90 minutes and the way he leads from the front, but he’s also been a lot more emphatic around the penalty box.

If he manages to sneak into the England squad at the last moment, it would be thoroughly deserved.