Neil Warnock: This is what I told Sol Bamba before clash with Leeds

By Danny Wright

Cardiff manager Neil Warnock has revealed that he told Sol Bamba he didn't have to prove anything before what would be a triumphant return to Leeds on Saturday.

The 68-year-old believes that he knew what Leeds would expect from his commanding centre-back.

Bamba, who was Leeds captain at the beginning of the season, was released by Garry Monk in September but Warnock was more than happy with the free agent’s performance at Elland Road.

"The two centre halves I thought were outstanding, Morrison and Bamba,” the former Leeds boss said to BBC Sport. "I said to those two, especially Sol, you don't have to prove anything, just be a centre-half today.

"Don't start dribbling and doing stupid things, well the Leeds fans expect him to and I thought he played a typical centre-half role.”

Bamba was released by Leeds after captaining the side to two defeats at the beginning of the season, scoring an own goal on the opening day of the campaign.

He fell down the pecking order under Monk and found himself leaving the club by mutual consent after failing to secure a move away during the transfer window.

The Ivorian defender has made 16 appearances in the Championship for the Welsh club after beginning the season in West Yorkshire. He scored on his debut in October in a 2-1 win over Bristol City.

Bamba has made 49 caps for Ivory Coast since his debut in 2008.

The 32-year-old has represented eight different clubs over the course of his 11-year long career which began at Paris St. Germain and has taken him to the likes of Leicester City, Palermo and Hibernian.

In other Leeds news, fans react as academy product scores wonder goal for rivals.

We’ve launched an <<EXCLUSIVE TRANSFER WINDOW NEWS FEED>>. 'Like Us' on Facebook by clicking here if you want 24/7 updates on all Leeds transfer news.