Joe Gelhardt tipped to shine at Rangers as Leeds United exit news emerges after Elland Road disappointment
We’re delighted to welcome EFL expert and former striker Don Goodman as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Elland Road.
Don Goodman insists Joe Gelhardt is “absolutely good enough” to play for Celtic or Rangers amid talk of a move away from Leeds United.
The Daily Mail [8 January] reported this week that the Old Firm pair are each eyeing up a possible move for the English youngster this month.
Gelhardt featured regularly for Leeds across their two seasons back in the Premier League, but his Elland Road career has stagnated since then.
The 21-year-old impressed on loan with Sunderland in the second half of last season, scoring and assisting a combined six goals in 20 games.
However, Gelhardt has started just two Championship games under Daniel Farke this season, while featuring a further four times from the bench.
Not helped by injury problems, Gelhardt has struggled to make an impact amid strong competition for places at Leeds in the forward department.
Goodman can understand if the youngster is not happy with his situation and says his loan stint with Sunderland shows what he is capable of.
Speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News about the rumoured interest from Celtic and Rangers, Goodman said: “He’s absolutely good enough to play for those.
“He went to Sunderland on loan last season, got plenty of game time and helped Sunderland – a club only promoted through the League One play-offs the season before – into the Championship play-offs.
“That is some effort, not just by him but by Tony Mowbray and all the Sunderland players. He got game time and under the guise of Tony Mowbray, who is someone that improves players, particularly young players.
“Joe would have learned a lot and he’ll be disappointed he hasn’t got the game time this season. He hasn’t been on the pitch enough. In those scenarios, it’s always best for a player to get some minutes.”
In other Leeds United news, Jamie O’Hara took an unprompted swipe at a Whites player live on talkSPORT.