The Republic of Ireland international will need to step up in Bridcutt’s absence.
Blackburn’s Martin Samuelsen and Leeds’ Eunan O’Kane in action
On transfer deadline day Leeds United snapped up Eunan O’Kane on a deal from Premier League side Bournemouth.
It was a move that received mixed responses from Leeds fans.
The majority of the Elland Road faithful wanted to see Leeds bring in a striker, instead a central midfielder arrived – despite having plenty of players already available in that area of the pitch.
O’Kane joined the likes of newly appointed captain Liam Bridcutt, young talents Ronaldo Vieira and Kavlin Phillips and midfield stalwarts Toumani Diagouraga and Luke Murphy. Add to the mix Alex Mowatt and Matt Grimes and Leeds are certainly well stocked in central midfield.
Blackburn’s Hope Akpan in action with Leeds’ Eunan O’Kane
But today saw just why bringing in O’Kane was a good idea from Leeds United.
Bridcutt has been ruled out for up to two months with a broken metatarsal. With the loan window no longer in play Leeds would not have looked to be in a string position when it comes to this breed of midfielder.
Liam Bridcutt Leeds United in action with Jack Payne of Huddersfield Town
Murphy is not going to push Leeds toward the play-offs whilst Monk was clearly not a fan of Diagouraga. Phillips and Vieira are talented, but young, and now bringing in O’Kane seems to have been a good call by the Leeds boss.
Hopefully the impact of Bridcutt’s absence can be lessened by the Irish international’s presence.
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