By support

16th Feb, 2017 | 6:30pm

Mick McCarthy hails Leeds 25-year-old as difference-maker ahead of weekend clash

By Harvey Byrne

Mick McCarthy was full of praise for Leeds striker Chris Wood ahead of the weekend encounter between his Ipswich team and the Yorkshire giants.

The famous English side are currently preparing to travel down to Portman Road on Saturday for a clash with McCarthy’s team.

When the two clubs last met in September a Wood strike in the first half was enough to hand Leeds all three points in a 1-0 victory.

Now, McCarthy has shared in a press conference before the game, as covered by the Ipswich official Twitter account that he feels Wood is a “top player” and the difference-maker.

Wood had previously played for Ipswich during a loan move in 2015, but he failed to find the back of the net in eight appearances for the club.

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He has seen a complete turnaround to his form with Leeds this campaign, bringing an impressive return of 22 goals in 35 appearances in all competitions.

The powerful striker has been key as the Yorkshire giants occupy fifth place in the Championship table and he will be keen to add to his goal tally against McCarthy’s 13th placed side.

A win for Leeds could see them overtake Reading in fourth, while a defeat could move them down to sixth and put their play-off place at high risk with 13 matches left.

In other Leeds news, Rob Green has given his verdict on the promotion chase.

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