'He will feel humiliated' - Exclusive: Whelan claims Leeds big name 'fuming' to miss out v Stoke
EXCLUSIVE
Helder Costa will feel angry and "humiliated" at once again being on the Leeds United bench for the Championship match against Stoke City today, according to Noel Whelan.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-United striker claimed the big-name forward is bound to be "fuming" that he can't get in the starting XI of Marcelo Bielsa's side.
Costa was on the substitute's bench for the fourth league match in a row on Wednesday as Leeds continued their bright start to the season with a 1-0 win over Brentford.
Bielsa revealed at his media conference yesterday that Costa and Eddie Nketiah, the loan duo who combined for the winning goal in midweek, will remain on the bench as he persists with the attack that has catapulted the team to the top of the Championship.
Asked how Costa will feel at his treatment from his new employers, Whelan told Football Insider, "Honestly? He will feel humiliated. He will be angry and upset, fuming, really.
"He would have signed expecting to be the main man and one of the first names on the teamsheet. Of course he would, he's a £15million player joining from a top Premier League club.
"He's got an excellent record in the Championship, he's played for some top clubs and he's a matchwinner. He's already showed he can turn games as a sub and he's a massive asset for Leeds.
"It's up to him to make a big impact when he comes on, show the right attitude in training and take his chance when it comes. There will be plenty of injuries over the season, and he will get his opportunity."
Costa's only start since his £15million loan-to-buy move from Wolves has come in the League Cup against Salford, with his four appearances in the league also coming from the bench.
The Portugal international joined Leeds at the start of July from Wolves but did not join the pre-season tour of Australia as he stayed behind in England to work on his fitness.