Eunan O’Kane’s stats from Leeds’ win over Burton prove why Whites will be so grateful injury wasn’t serious

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Eunan O’Kane played 56 minutes of Leeds United’s clash with Burton Albion in the Championship, and was sensational on the day.

When Eunan O’Kane left the Republic of Ireland squad due to injury during the recent international break, many Leeds supporters would have been forgiven for being significantly concerned about what that may mean for the Whites.

O’Kane has been exceptional in the middle of the park for Leeds this season – so it would have undoubtedly been a massive boost when Thomas Christiansen suggested that the former Bournemouth man’s groin injury would not keep him out of the clash with Burton on Saturday, as reported by the Yorkshire Evening Post.

And while he only played 56 minutes of the Whites’ clash with the Brewers, there is no doubt that he proved exactly why the Leeds fans were sweating over his fitness in the days before the game as he – like most of his teammates – enjoyed a fantastic day as Thomas Christiansen’s men strolled to a 5-0 win, as the statistics highlight.

While he registered solid returns both for tackles and duels won, the 27-year-old came near the top in a number of other areas when compared to his Leeds teammates.

No player made more interceptions than the three that O’Kane made, while he was also the only player to register two successful dribbles during the game.

He also completed a significant portion of the passes he attempted, finding a teammate with 42 of his 49 attempted passes during his 56 minutes on the pitch.

But, of course, it is the first column that stands out in particular with O’Kane contributing two assists during the contest, including a lovely pass to Pierre-Michel Lasogga for the opener.

The brilliance of Leeds’ display allowed Christiansen to replace O’Kane early and give him as much rest time before Tuesday’s clash with Birmingham as possible. And if he puts in a similar display against the Blues, it is surely difficult to see Leeds not continuing their promising start to the campaign.