Leeds United’s Paul Heckingbottom praises Kalvin Phillips and Eunan O’Kane

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Leeds United beat Brentford 1-0 yesterday, with Kalvin Phillips and Eunan O’Kane impressing in midfield.

Leeds United boss Paul Heckingbottom has told BBC Radio Leeds that the supporters do not always recognise just how well Kalvin Phillips and Eunan O’Kane are playing.

Phillips and O’Kane have both had their critics this season, but they were selected to start in central midfield against Brentford yesterday and did a good job.

Leeds picked up a 1-0 win in the contest, with Phillips and O’Kane forming a solid pairing in the middle of the pitch.

The pair managed to stifle Brentford’s play on numerous occasions, and Heckingbottom claims that a lot of their good work goes unnoticed at times.

“Kalvin and Eunan did well,” he said. “The four across the middle have to do the work at times, and a lot of is just positioning. A lot of the good work they are doing goes unseen by the fans, because it involves not being with the ball. I was pleased with all 10 outfield players in respect to that.”

Leeds’ victory over Brentford was Heckingbottom’s first since taking charge, and they certainly showed signs of improvement.

The Whites were tight at the back, and limited Brentford’s opportunities throughout.

Leeds scored their goal through Liam Cooper, when the centre-back headed home from a free-kick.

Leeds’ victory keeps their slim top six hopes alive, with Heckingbottom’s side currently five points away from the play off spots.