Roy Keane has praised Patrick Bamford after he came off the bench and netted a brace during Leeds United’s 5-2 win over Cardiff City in their FA Cup replay on Wednesday night.
The Premier League legend stated that Bamford’s goals were ‘excellent’ and pointed out how he has this ‘laid-back attitude’ about him, as he told ITV Sport.
After recording a 2-2 draw in Wales against the Championship side, Leeds ensured that there weren’t going to be such issues at Elland Road.
That was proven by the man of the moment, Wilfried Gnonto, scoring a stunning volley after just 26 seconds to open the scoring, before he added his second later on in that half.
The Whites went into the break 3-0 to the good, which allowed Jesse Marsch to bring Bamford into the action for Rodrigo, who had done his job by also getting on the scoresheet.
Albeit during a defeat, Bamford also scored at Villa Park on Friday night, so the 29-year-old’s goalscoring return will very much boost his confidence, which was touched upon by Roy Keane.
“Of course (you begin to doubt your own body) when you have injury problems,” said Keane. “When he came on, his finishes were excellent considering he was out for a while.
“He has got that quality. He has got that laid-back attitude. But this is a beautiful finish (first goal). Nice and clinical, nice and calm. Relaxed. And the second one was excellent.
“That is a big lift to him. You could see the smile (on his face). The reaction from his teammates. A big couple of goals for him, without a doubt.”
COMPETITION NEEDED IN FORWARD AREAS
Ever since Marsch walked through the doors last season, he hasn’t been able to work with Bamford as much simply because of his constant visits to the treatment room.
Well, with Leeds hovering above the Premier League’s relegation zone, then his return to action couldn’t have come any quicker.
This now provides Marsch with the chance to build some much-needed competition for those forward areas.
Rodrigo has been one of the consistent performers this season, Bamford is now returning with a bang, whilst the new boy, Georginio Rutter, wasn’t signed up to warm the bench.
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