Neil Warnock gushes over what Dan James did v Middlesbrough – ‘I love him’
Neil Warnock was full of praise for Dan James for his involvement in Leeds United’s 1-0 win away to Middlesbrough.
Leeds United got back on the promotion track with a 1-0 win against Middlesbrough, though the officials nearly had their own say on the game.
Daniel Farke’s side had two goals wrongly ruled out for offside, though a second-minute strike proved to be enough to seal all three points for the Whites and send them back into the top two at the expense of Sheffield United, who suffered defeat.
Leeds have James to thank for promotion boost
James has been the standout player for Leeds this season, and his goals are a huge reason as to why the Whites remain on course for a return to the Premier League.
It was no different for the Welshman against Boro, with his goal inside two minutes proving to be the difference maker, and Neil Warnock was stunned by the level of determination on show from him for the goal.
| Leeds United | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| James | 35 | 12 | 9 |
Speaking live on Sky Sports News (8 April, 8:52pm), Warnock said: “I love him, you get your rewards when you go like that. He should have no chance of getting that, the defender should slide in and just put it out of play. But he has that desire that and he wants to get in there. And you get your rewards when you do that.
“Sometimes you score too early, but I thought it just settled them down a little bit.”
His goal at The Riverside was his 12th of the season, and his 21st goal contribution in the Championship, showcasing just how important he has been for the Whites.
Premier League return is back on the cards for Leeds
Leeds have endured a rollercoaster of a month, and were only eight days in.
Having looked as though they had sealed promotion with the win against Sheffield United, a drop off in form sent them out of the top two, but thanks to the Blades losing against Millwall, the Whites are now two points inside of the top two with just five games remaining.
Farke needs to deliver promotion this season, and once again, it looks as though that is more likely to happen after the win.
However, focus must be maintained and form needs to be consistent from now until the final kick of the season, and if Leeds can do that, Premier League football will return to Elland Road.