Noel Whelan convinced Leeds have next Ian Wright in their ranks
Noel Whelan has claimed Leeds United spearhead Patrick Bamford can be the next Ian Wright.
The former Whites hitman, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insists Bamford will be a marked man next year but has the attributes to go to a whole new level.
The Leeds star bagged 18 goals and seven assists during the recently concluded Premier League season.
Despite this, Bamford was omitted from Gareth Southgate’s provisional England squad for this summer’s Euros.
The striker has faced plenty of adversity throughout his career and Whelan claims he will bounce back from his latest rejection.
The ex-Leeds man claims Bamford must rise to the next challenge and target the 20 goal mark next season.
“When you take about strength of character, he’s definitely got it,” Whelan told Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge.
“He’s faced a lot of adversity in his career when he’s been at Palace, Chelsea and Middlesbrough.
“He’s always been one of those players where you want to see a bit more from, you think there’s more to come.
“There were always question marks there but he’s come back and proven himself.
“He has a strong character and a good mentality. He’s proved those doubters wrong with his goals.
“He’s the second-top scoring Englishman in the Premier League, you can’t do any more than that.
“Next season is another big one. He’s 27 now and in his prime. This is when you get the best football out of yourself.
“After getting 17 last season he will be a marked man, the best players overcome that. Your Alan Shearers and Ian Wrights.
“They scored at least 20 every season in spite of being targeted by defenders, that’s Bamford’s challenge now and he can be the next Ian Wright, for sure.”
In other news, former Leeds United man backs youth sensation to sign for EFL club.