Sky Sports pundit plays down expectations of Bamford after Leeds United return
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist as each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Leeds United...
Paul Robinson feels expectations on Patrick Bamford’s return from injury should be played down slightly by Leeds United fans.
Bamford, 28, played 45 minutes as he made his first start since September in Leeds’ 2-1 win against Norwich on Sunday [13 March].
It was more than likely always the plan for Bamford to be substituted off at half-time by Jesse Marsch, according to Robinson, who doesn’t want fans to ask for too much of the returning striker.
“Bamford’s been out for so long and there’s been so much talked about how much they need him, you can’t expect the guy to hit the ground running after being out for so long,” Robinson told MOT Leeds News.
“The fact that he’s on the pitch is a massive bonus and his sharpness and his match fitness will come in time.
“I think it was always the plan for him to play 45 minutes or for as long as he felt he could but the more minutes he gets under his belt, the better he’s going to get.
“They’re certainly going to need him between now and the end of the season.”
Bamford was largely ineffective in the first half as his fellow attackers ran rings around the Norwich defence.
According to stats by WhoScored, the England international had two shots at goal but both of them missed the target while he also misplaced two of the five passes he attempted and had just 12 touches of the ball.
In other Leeds United news, a new injury worry at Elland Road could not have come at a worse time for this player.