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Heal only get better
Elland Rd boss hails top striker
By PAUL DEWS
KEVIN BLACKWELL today told Leeds United fans that the best is yet to come from star striker David Healy.
The Northern Ireland international has established himself as a firm favourite of the Elland Road faithful since his switch from Preston in November.
Healy has scored six goals in 14 games – but Blackwell reckons there's much more to come from his star signing.
The United boss declared: "David's best years are ahead of him, without a doubt. He did well at Preston and you wonder whether he can handle the big stage. Well, the answer is 'yes he can'.
"If Dave steers clear of injury, and please God he does, he will be a massive, massive player for Leeds United in the future."
Healy's Elland Road career has so far been confined to a role on the left flank but Blackwell says he is itching to hand the striker his favoured role as an out and out front man.
"I've had to play Dave out of position," conceded Blackwell.
"He's played a lot of games out there wide on the left and he's done exceptionally well.
"But we've got Leandre Griffit in for a month from Southampton and that might allow me to unleash Dave up front now.
"He's already proved he is a natural goalscorer . He's scored some terrific goals already and he's only been here a few weeks.
"I knew he was a good player – that's why I signed him – and he's a good character to have around.
"It's a big thing that you get the right sort of players into an environment like this and you hope that it rubs off the young players."
Healy has picked up three yellow cards since his arrival, though, and with one booking at Preston earlier in the season, he went into today's clash with Birmingham just one caution away from suspension.
"He has picked up a few bookings and one or two have been a bit senseless," said Blackwell.
"At the same time, though, it's nice to know that he will stand up for himself against defenders and look after himself.
"He doesn't suffer fools gladly I think that shows in his play."
Meanwhile, United's on-off takeover talks will move up a gear next week.
United chief Gerald Krasner has met representatives of both consortia interested in investing over the past 48 hours and discussions must move up a pace.
Kranser has yet to meet Sebastien Sainsbury in person, but sources close to the London-based businessman say he will demand a face-to-face meeting with the Leeds chairman.
Sainsbury is believed to be keen to push through his £25m proposed takeover and will ask for a "lock-out" period in the hope of completing a deal.
Heal only get better
Elland Rd boss hails top striker
By PAUL DEWS
KEVIN BLACKWELL today told Leeds United fans that the best is yet to come from star striker David Healy.
The Northern Ireland international has established himself as a firm favourite of the Elland Road faithful since his switch from Preston in November.
Healy has scored six goals in 14 games – but Blackwell reckons there's much more to come from his star signing.
The United boss declared: "David's best years are ahead of him, without a doubt. He did well at Preston and you wonder whether he can handle the big stage. Well, the answer is 'yes he can'.
"If Dave steers clear of injury, and please God he does, he will be a massive, massive player for Leeds United in the future."
Healy's Elland Road career has so far been confined to a role on the left flank but Blackwell says he is itching to hand the striker his favoured role as an out and out front man.
"I've had to play Dave out of position," conceded Blackwell.
"He's played a lot of games out there wide on the left and he's done exceptionally well.
"But we've got Leandre Griffit in for a month from Southampton and that might allow me to unleash Dave up front now.
"He's already proved he is a natural goalscorer . He's scored some terrific goals already and he's only been here a few weeks.
"I knew he was a good player – that's why I signed him – and he's a good character to have around.
"It's a big thing that you get the right sort of players into an environment like this and you hope that it rubs off the young players."
Healy has picked up three yellow cards since his arrival, though, and with one booking at Preston earlier in the season, he went into today's clash with Birmingham just one caution away from suspension.
"He has picked up a few bookings and one or two have been a bit senseless," said Blackwell.
"At the same time, though, it's nice to know that he will stand up for himself against defenders and look after himself.
"He doesn't suffer fools gladly I think that shows in his play."
Meanwhile, United's on-off takeover talks will move up a gear next week.
United chief Gerald Krasner has met representatives of both consortia interested in investing over the past 48 hours and discussions must move up a pace.
Kranser has yet to meet Sebastien Sainsbury in person, but sources close to the London-based businessman say he will demand a face-to-face meeting with the Leeds chairman.
Sainsbury is believed to be keen to push through his £25m proposed takeover and will ask for a "lock-out" period in the hope of completing a deal.
