Ex-manager raises Bamford fears after development pre-Leeds clash v Liverpool
Alex McLeish has raised fears Patrick Bamford could return to Leeds United low in confidence after a disappointing time away with England.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Scotland boss insisted the 28-year-old needs to get back to basics after linking up with the Three Lions.
Bamford started one of England’s three games, the 4-0 win over Andorra, during the international break.
However, he failed to score in his 62-minute runout.
The Leeds hitman was left as an unused substitute against Hungary and Poland.
McLeish admitted Bamford’s confidence may have taken a hit ahead of Sunday’s clash against Liverpool.
However, he urged the striker not to change anything about his game when playing for Leeds.
“You would hope Patrick would go back with positivity,” McLeish told Football Insider’s Russell Edge.
“He might be a bit disappointed about the game. I always remember managers, in my playing days, saying: ‘Every time he goes away on an international break then he comes back with his confidence low.
“That is the last thing you want. Certainly, you would want Patrick Bamford to be coming back, assessing his game and saying: ‘I should be proud of myself.
“‘I’m going to keep doing what I’m doing with Leeds because that’s what got me into the England squad.’
“Jock Stein told me a great thing many years ago when I made my debut. He said the reason I picked you for Scotland and what I want you to do is what you do at Aberdeen. That’s why I picked you.
“Just do the same for the national team. That was great advice.”
Bamford has scored once in Leeds’ opening three Premier League games.
He finished last season with 17 top-flight strikes to his name.
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