Whelan issues ‘big’ Jack Harrison claim as Leeds star set for axe
Noel Whelan has suggested one of Wilfried Gnonto or Crysencio Summerville could make way for Jack Harrison when Leeds United face Cardiff in the FA Cup on Sunday (8 January).
The former Whites striker and club ambassador, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 26-year-old needs a “good 90 minutes” after a fall-off in his form.
Harrison has started just one of three league games since the mid-season World Cup break, with youngsters Gnonto and Summerville preferred by Jesse Marsch in attacking midfield.
The ex-Man City ace notched his first goal involvement since August after coming off the bench during the 2-2 draw against West Ham.
He prodded the ball to goalscorer Rodrigo after breaking the Irons’ lines with a brilliant reception.
Harrison had started the season with a goal and three assists in three Premier League games – with some pundits even backing him for a first England call-up.
When asked if one of Gnonto or Summerville should make way for Harrison against Cardiff, Whelan told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “I think so.
“These kinds of games are perfect for the fringe players, the injured players, and players who have fallen out of form a bit.
“Harrison is one of those, he definitely needs the game time. He needs a good 90 minutes under his belt, and he needs to have a big game.
“We need to win the game because winning breeds winning. Whether it’s a cup game or a league game, that winning feeling needs to spread all throughout this squad again.
“Hopefully we can deliver and that will stand us in good stead for the next league game against Villa.”
In other news, Agbonlahor can’t believe Leeds United could sign “poor” Patrick Bamford replacement after source news.