Noel Whelan hails influential substitute in instant reaction to Leeds win

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The Whites beat Birmingham City 3-1 at St. Andrew’s on Friday night.

Former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan hailed the impact of substitute Kalvin Phillips after the 3-1 win over Birmingham City on Friday night, speaking to BBC West Yorkshire Sport.

The Whites saw off the challenge of the Blues at St. Andrew’s to move within one points of Yorkshire rivals Huddersfield Town ahead of the weekend action.

Chris Wood scored his 24th and 25th goals of the season either side of Craig Gardner’s equaliser for the hosts.

With 10 minutes remaining, substitute Alfonso Pedraza drilled home a third to wrap up the win.

However, for all the impressive individual performances, ex-Leeds striker Whelan singled out that of 59th-minute substitute Phillips.

The 21-year-old played a big role in his side’s two second-half goals, first acting as the driving force from midfield to set up Wood for his second, before facilitating the third by winning the ball back in midfield.

Whelan was quick to praise the young star, and claimed that his introduction changed the course of a game which looked in danger at one point.

Whelan told BBC West Yorkshire Sport after the second goal: “You need midfielders running into the box and causing problems – that’s the first time that’s happened and we’ve got a goal out of it… Do that as a midfielder and you cause problems. Phillips did all the hard work.”

After full-time, Whelan, who also hailed Wood’s goalscoring instinct after his first goal, continued: “Phillips has changed the course of the game, coming into that central area.

“He’s won balls, been aggressive – he’s changed the game in the way you’d want from your substitutes. You can’t undersell how vital he’s been.

“Phillips was the difference tonight and was so forward-thinking and forward-facing. Phillips didn’t reinvent the wheel, but what he did do was pass with accuracy and make runs into the box. You will have to make a big run back if you do that and cover your ground, but it led to the second goal. That’s what you need to see.”

The win was a crucial one for Garry Monk’s side, closing the gap on Huddersfield and the top two and giving themselves a headstart on their playoff rivals this weekend.