Leeds United: Noah Okafor set for World Cup redemption as Switzerland ‘opportunity’ emerges

Leeds United star Noah Okafor's ears will have perked up at Murat Yakin's latest comments.

The Whites ace did not make it onto the pitch in Switzerland's opening World Cup match against Qatar and was an unused substitute.

The Red Crosses will be looking for their first win of the tournament when they take on Bosnia and Herzegovina on 18 June.

The manager has suggested that changes could be on the cards, and that could give Okafor a chance to make his fourth World Cup appearance.

His form for the Whites means that he deserve an opportunity as he notched eight goals and three assists in his first season in Yorkshire.

He may well get his redemption, after missing the first game at this edition, after what has been said.

What did Murat Yakin say that should benefit Noah Okafor?

Yakin and Okafor have had their difficulties in recent years, but that is water under the bridge now and he is back in the fold.

The Swiss boss was speaking ahead of the Bosnia game, and suggested that he could switch his team around after the performance against the minnows last time out.

He said: “I’d field exactly the same line-up against Qatar again. That worked very well.

"But now we’re facing a different opponent with a different tactic. That also presents an opportunity to make some changes.”

Why Leeds will have mixed feelings if Okafor plays

Leeds may well hope that Okafor hardly features in the tournament.

The 26-year-old missed the last three games of the Premier League campaign with a calf issue.

Daniel Farke and Co will not want him to aggravate that issue while he is away with the national team.

However, it may help him to get back into a rhythm before he returns to Elland Road for the new season.

It is a complex situation, and there is no right answer, but the player himself will want to be involved.

He will want his opportunity to impress at the tournament, and to try to make an impact for his country on the world stage.

Peacocks supporters will just hope that he does not get injured again and is not missing when they start their second season back in the top-flight.

They need him to be fit and firing regularly and if he starts the campaign well, that will give him and the team, the world of confidence.