Neil Redfearn backs this Leeds duo to start against Ipswich, axes senior man

By Amir Mir

Neil Redfearn has said that he would stick with the midfield duo of Ronaldo Vieira and Eunan O’Kane for Leeds’ clash against Ipswich on Saturday.

Former Whites manager Redfearn has therefore stated that the senior figure of Liam Bridcutt would be axed for that match and more than likely start on the bench.

Garry Monk opted to bring O’Kane into the starting line-up for the 2-1 win against Bristol City on Tuesday night, with Briductt suspended.

Prior to his suspension, the club captain had started the last nine games in the Championship for the club, mainly alongside the likes of Vieira and Kalvin Phillips.

Ahead of the weekend game, Redfearn gave his thoughts on who he would start and the performance of Vieira and O’Kane against Bristol City.

“I think he has got to go with the two that are currently occupying the shirts at this moment in time,” Redfearn told Radio Yorkshire. “I thought they both played well, I think there is probably a better balance with Vieira and O’Kane in there.

“They both play higher up the pitch, they both get close to people and I thought O’Kane had a great game against Bristol City.”

Midfielder Bridcutt has played 15 Championship games for his side this season, though he did miss a significant time out through injury.

During those months, academy duo Vieira and Phillips established themselves as key members of a team pushing to earn promotion to the Premier League.

At this moment in time, they are in fifth in the table on 57 points from their 32 games, having won 18 of those matches, drawn three and lost 11.

They travel to Portman Road at the weekend and take on a Mick McCarthy team that is eight places and 17 points below them in the table.

In other Leeds news, Eunan O’Kane posted this message on Twitter after City win, fans will love his comments.

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