Leeds United Football Club - Looking To Make The Difference
Returning United duo Seth Johnson and Eirik Bakke are hoping they can provide that bit of extra quality the club needs to start climbing the Championship table again.
The midfield pairing have just started their playing comebacks after recovering from cruciate ligament injuries and are on course to be available for first team selection again in mid-February.
After spending a frustrating last eight months on the sidelines the pair want to return to a side that's looking to get into the play-offs and not merely survive in the Championship.
Former England under-21 international Seth believes a top six finish is still possible.
"We can definitely still do it," he said, "just look at what Crystal Palace did last season. I think they were right near the bottom weren't they,
"If you look at us over Christmas we put a good run together and we shot up the league a bit and I think whoever gets a consistent run going will be there or thereabouts.
"There is still a lot of football to be played and lots of points to be won."
Norwegian Bakke has been watching how the clubs above United have failed to create any considerable gap between themselves and the bottom of the table, which makes him confident Leeds can catch up.
"It's been frustrating watching the club struggle over the past six months and not being to help," he said.
"There's no real difference at the moment (currently eight points stand between Leeds and a play-off position), and the boys have done well to be where we are now.
"We can push on from this position and it will be very tough to get into the play-offs, but I hope we can. Again we have to be consistent and start winning."
Johnson is well aware that as two of the few remaining players that played a part in the Premiership for United, the expectation will be on them to perform well right from their first match back. He's confident they can both handle the pressure.
Said Seth:"I am sure there would be some expectations on us, I would just be happy to be playing.
"I have had enough stick off a lot of people since I came to Leeds so I am not too fussed about that, what matters is if I can make a difference to the team. If I can't make a difference I won't be playing.
"We (him and Eirik) want to make a difference though and I am sure if we both get back to full fitness we will do."
Returning United duo Seth Johnson and Eirik Bakke are hoping they can provide that bit of extra quality the club needs to start climbing the Championship table again.
The midfield pairing have just started their playing comebacks after recovering from cruciate ligament injuries and are on course to be available for first team selection again in mid-February.
After spending a frustrating last eight months on the sidelines the pair want to return to a side that's looking to get into the play-offs and not merely survive in the Championship.
Former England under-21 international Seth believes a top six finish is still possible.
"We can definitely still do it," he said, "just look at what Crystal Palace did last season. I think they were right near the bottom weren't they,
"If you look at us over Christmas we put a good run together and we shot up the league a bit and I think whoever gets a consistent run going will be there or thereabouts.
"There is still a lot of football to be played and lots of points to be won."
Norwegian Bakke has been watching how the clubs above United have failed to create any considerable gap between themselves and the bottom of the table, which makes him confident Leeds can catch up.
"It's been frustrating watching the club struggle over the past six months and not being to help," he said.
"There's no real difference at the moment (currently eight points stand between Leeds and a play-off position), and the boys have done well to be where we are now.
"We can push on from this position and it will be very tough to get into the play-offs, but I hope we can. Again we have to be consistent and start winning."
Johnson is well aware that as two of the few remaining players that played a part in the Premiership for United, the expectation will be on them to perform well right from their first match back. He's confident they can both handle the pressure.
Said Seth:"I am sure there would be some expectations on us, I would just be happy to be playing.
"I have had enough stick off a lot of people since I came to Leeds so I am not too fussed about that, what matters is if I can make a difference to the team. If I can't make a difference I won't be playing.
"We (him and Eirik) want to make a difference though and I am sure if we both get back to full fitness we will do."