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Noel Whelan says Kemar Roofe was exceptional against Preston

Leeds' Kemar Roofe shoots at goal (REUTERS)
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Leeds United won against Preston North End in the Championship on Saturday afternoon.

Leeds' Kemar Roofe shoots at goal

Noel Whelan has told BBC Sport that Kemar Roofe was Leeds United’s best player against Preston North End on Saturday afternoon.

Leeds returned to winning ways in the Championship with a 3-0 victory over Preston at Elland Road.

Kemar Roofe put the home team in the lead after 18 minutes, and Pablo Hernandez doubled the advantage on the stroke of half time.

Souleymane Doukara wrapped up the three points for the West Yorkshire outfit with his goal in the third minute of injury time.

Preston ended the game with 10 men due to the sending-off of Alex Baptiste in the 86th minute.

Former Leeds striker Whelan was impressed with the performance of Roofe, and believes that the 24-year-old, who can operate as a winger or as a striker, should start against Newcastle next week.

The Whites will take on Newcastle away from home at St. James’ Park on Friday evening.

“I think Roofe is Man of the Match, and he has to keep his place today,” Whelan told BBC Sport which picking Roofe as his Man of the Match. “He was so positive and he wanted to score a goal – you could see that 30 seconds before he did.

“He’s got the pace, talent and an eye for goal. He can go on from there. This is the next step in his development.”

“We know Monk will pick the side best suited to beating Newcastle, but Roofe will be gutted if he’s not starting next week,” added Whelan. “He’s not started back-to-back games for a while but he’s actually had many good performances.

“He struggled at the start of the season, changed his game, had a good spell, then couldn’t really get in the team. But he was exceptional today – he showed great vision and energy.”

Leeds are fifth in the Championship table at the moment with 72 points from 41 matches.

Picture Supplied by Action Images - Noel Whelan