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Tony Mowbray thrilled by Leeds United loanee Joe Gelhardt after he scored v Rotherham
Tony Mowbray has raved about Leeds United youngster Joe Gelhardt after he scored his first goal for Sunderland in the 2-1 defeat against Rotherham on Tuesday (21 February).
The 20-year-old joined the Black Cats on loan during the January transfer window and has made five appearances already so far.
Mowbray says that the youngster needs to continue working hard in training, and it’s a learning curve for him.
According to a report from Sunderland Echo, the youngster is set to lead the line again for this weekend’s trip to Coventry City.
“I think he works really hard. He will score goals,” said Mowbray, as quoted by Sunderland Echo.
“He’s a good footballer. He’s disappointed he didn’t score another goal with the header after Roberts had flicked one into the box for him.
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“Is it important he’s got off the mark? Listen, strikers have to score goals, don’t they? That’s their job. It’s what they do, although he’s only a very young boy and he’s being asked to play upfront every game on his own.
“It’s not easy for him, and we have to try to give him support and help him. He has to keep working as hard as he is, and whether he can keep doing it for the next 13 games or whatever it is, is going to be a big ask.”
Make it count
Gelhardt is a fantastic young talent, and let’s hope he makes the best use of the loan spell.
The season-ending injury to Ross Stewart has given him the opportunity to play regularly. He scored with a header but missed a couple of chances against Rotherham.
Mowbray is spot on here. Gelhardt hasn’t played much for Leeds, and it’s a transition for him to play regularly, one that he needs to adapt quickly.
It seemed like Gelhardt will become a regular player for Leeds this season after impressing heavily last term. However, he struggled badly under Jesse Marsch, managing one start in the league, although a further 14 appearances have come from the bench.
The club see him as a special talent, and the loan move was ideal for him.
Leeds probably will look to sign another striker in the summer despite landing Georginio Rutter in January, and it would mean there could be fierce competition for places.
For the time being, Gelhardt needs to focus on his own game, and make the best use of the next 13 games.
In other Leeds United news, Jim White sees problems on the horizon for the club despite finally landing a manager.