Kemar Roofe struck a hat-trick for Leeds United against Newport County last night.
Kemar Roofe struck an impressive hat-trick for Leeds United against Newport County to inspire a 5-1 victory.
Leeds had trailed 1-0 after a disappointing start before Roofe levelled before half-time.
The Whites went on to win 5-1 with Roofe adding two more and Samu Saiz and Ronaldo Vieira netting.
Roofe started up front as Leeds experimented with Chris Wood now sold to Burnley, and stated a case as to why he should get the nod on Saturday in the Championship.
Pundit and former Leeds striker Noel Whelan is not convinced, and warns Roofe should not lead the line in the Championship, even with options short when they face Nottingham Forest this Saturday.
He told BBC Radio Leeds’ post-match coverage: “My problem is he’s got three goals tonight against a League Two side. There are bigger, quality, stronger defences in the Championship, sterner tasks and tests for him.
“What are we doing to do, not put crosses in? No we’ve got to trust someone to get on the end of it, get headers. The Championship is tough.
“He’s a great player, you want someone in the box. He gets drawn to the ball. We need someone to be disciplined on penalty spot in six yard box.”
Whelan may be down on the possibility of signing Roofe playing up front, but he certainly put himself in the conversation for another opportunity.
He is a real talent who has yet to really find his best position at Leeds, and the exit of Chris Wood could help him flourish.
Whelan is right that the weak opposition means it is too soon to form a real judgement in this regard, but he certainly deserves a second look at Championship level to see if he can get close to reproducing his output.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
