The options increase for United boss
leedsunited.com 4/12/12
Squad showing stronger look at a vital time...
United boss Neil Warnock is looking forward to reaping the benefits of having a stronger squad to select from as a busy Christmas period looms.
While the double arrival of Alan Tate and Jerome Thomas has strengthened the ranks, the return to fitness of Ross McCormack has also been a major boost while Ryan Hall continues to take his first steps in a Leeds shirt.
The manager was able to hand Ross his first start since September at the weekend against Huddersfield and the Scot was in terrific form as El-Hadji Diouf was omitted from the starting line-up due to a slight injury.
"Dioufy had been a bit stiff on his groin and could have played him for 20 minutes but with the squad as it was I felt we could leave him out altogether and save for him for Derby, and we didn't have to use him with the way the game went," explained the boss.
"I also thought it would be a good game for Ross to come in for and it was. Ross and Luc have done well before together and its good to have options on the bench which we had.
"Everyone knows we haven't had that and it's good to have your better players fit."
The midfield has also proved instrumental in recent weeks with Paul Green and David Norris looking rejuvenated after injury lay-offs and Michael Tonge impressing in a central role in the absence of Rodolph Austin.
"We put Tongey in the middle and he's done well there," said the boss.
"We were without Rudy, and Browny for a game, and the others have responded. David Norris has responded and so has Greeny, and they both look a threat at the other end, and Michael has taken it on and done well."
Jason Pearce was another early season regular who was on the bench last weekend after returning from suspension while Luke Varney is available again this weekend after serving a three-game ban.
Squad showing stronger look at a vital time...
United boss Neil Warnock is looking forward to reaping the benefits of having a stronger squad to select from as a busy Christmas period looms.
While the double arrival of Alan Tate and Jerome Thomas has strengthened the ranks, the return to fitness of Ross McCormack has also been a major boost while Ryan Hall continues to take his first steps in a Leeds shirt.
The manager was able to hand Ross his first start since September at the weekend against Huddersfield and the Scot was in terrific form as El-Hadji Diouf was omitted from the starting line-up due to a slight injury.
"Dioufy had been a bit stiff on his groin and could have played him for 20 minutes but with the squad as it was I felt we could leave him out altogether and save for him for Derby, and we didn't have to use him with the way the game went," explained the boss.
"I also thought it would be a good game for Ross to come in for and it was. Ross and Luc have done well before together and its good to have options on the bench which we had.
"Everyone knows we haven't had that and it's good to have your better players fit."
The midfield has also proved instrumental in recent weeks with Paul Green and David Norris looking rejuvenated after injury lay-offs and Michael Tonge impressing in a central role in the absence of Rodolph Austin.
"We put Tongey in the middle and he's done well there," said the boss.
"We were without Rudy, and Browny for a game, and the others have responded. David Norris has responded and so has Greeny, and they both look a threat at the other end, and Michael has taken it on and done well."
Jason Pearce was another early season regular who was on the bench last weekend after returning from suspension while Luke Varney is available again this weekend after serving a three-game ban.
