Leeds United beat the West Midlands side 2-0 at Elland Road.
Garry Monk has explained to The Yorkshire Evening Times why Eunan O’Kane did not play in Leeds United’s 2-0 win over Aston Villa at the weekend.
Leeds moved fourth in the Championship as second-half goals from Kemar Roofe – his first for the Whites – and Chris Wood helped Monk’s side maintain their form.
Ronaldo Vieira and Kalvin Phillips partnered one another in central midfield, with Vieira, in particular, looking very impressive for the hosts.
Summer signings O’Kane and Liam Bridcutt missed out through injury but the former was expected to be available despite limping out of the League Cup defeat at Liverpool four days previous.
And Monk revealed that the 26-year-old – who joined from Bournemouth in August – ruled himself out of the visit of the Villans.
“(O’Kane) was close but he felt he wasn’t ready or fit enough to contribute to the game,” he told The Yorkshire Evening Times.
“We left him to decide and you don’t want any players going on with doubts about anything. We have to be 100 per cent. “The 18 there were the fit ones but whoever goes on will give their all.”
The Republic of Ireland international had come under scrutiny for his last league outing against Rotherham nine days ago. Despite apparent praise from media outlets, the 26-year-old did look a little sluggish against the Millers and Vieira certainly ensured that he was not greatly missed at the weekend.
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