Phillips Exclusive: Leeds will go up without Augustin after Hay’s update
Kevin Phillips insisted Leeds United can thrive without Jean-Kevin Augustin and backed Patrick Bamford to lead Marcelo Bielsa’s side to promotion.
The former Sunderland and West Brom striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider correspondent Dylan Childs, claimed Bamford, 26, copes with the pressure on his shoulders despite criticism from some over his goal return.
The Athletic’s Phil Hay claimed the French striker will likely miss the rest of the season after he suffered a recurrence of a hamstring injury that kept him out earlier this year.
Bamford, who was expected to lead Bielsa’s attack against Cardiff City next week regardless, now only has Tyler Roberts as backup ahead of a hectic schedule.
However, Phillips tipped Leeds to gain promotion despite their January signings absence.
“I do not think there is any extra pressure on Bamford,” he told Football Insider.
“He has dealt with the pressure fairly well up to now.
“His work rate and his all round play is fantastic but there has been criticism fired his way because a lot of people would like to see him chip in with a few more goals.
“But he looks like he deals with the pressure and puts 100% in every week.
“The whole team have managed without Augustin until now and they will get over the line with Patrick leading the attack. He has done a good job so far.”
Bamford has scored 13 goals in 38 appearances for the Whites this term but has earned his plaudits for his work-rate and link up play.
Leeds travel to Cardiff City a week today as they look to get their promotion bid back up an running.
In other Leeds United news, Noel Whelan has told Football Insider clause may stop Whites from signing loanee permanently.