Leeds United’s club captain is out of action for the moment.
Kyle Bartley has told The Yorkshire Evening Times that Leeds United team-mate Liam Bridcutt is a “fantastic captain” and revealed that it’s a “massive privilege” to skipper the team in his absence.
The 25-year-old has deputised for Bridcutt with the armband after the no-nonsense midfielder was ruled out for up to two months back in September.
In that time, Leeds have won three and lost two of their six Championship games, with Tuesday’s 1-1 draw with Wigan being United’s latest outing.
Despite admitting that he enjoys being stand-in captain, the Leeds centre-back concedes that the team needs their skipper back.
“I’ve enjoyed being captain, it’s a massive honour and a privilege, but Liam is the club captain and a fantastic captain,” he told The YEP.
“We need to get him back and make sure we have all the players in the squad available. That allows us to rotate a little bit and freshen things up.”
Leeds have done okay without Bridcutt but they could do with getting the 27-year-old back for what he brings to the table as a midfielder first and foremost.
He joined United in the summer on a permanent basis after spending the second half of last season on loan from Sunderland, and it became clear quite quickly that he would play a big role in whatever Leeds’ achieve this season.
Bartley will continue with the armband on Saturday when Garry Monk’s side visit Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Matty Cash of Nottingham Forest in action with Liam Bridcutt of Leeds United
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