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Too many minutes? Monk claims he didn’t really want to use Liam Bridcutt against Reading

Leeds United manager Garry Monk before the match (REUTERS)
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Leeds United beat Reading 2-0 at Elland Road on Tuesday evening.

Leeds United manager Garry Monk has told BBC Radio Leeds that he didn’t actually want to use Liam Bridcutt at all during the 2-0 home win over Reading on Tuesday evening.

The Whites were back at Elland Road on Tuesday night having been beaten 2-0 away at Brighton and Hove Albion on Friday evening, and they responded perfectly against Reading.

Liam Bridcutt Leeds United in action with Jack Payne of Huddersfield TownLiam Bridcutt Leeds United in action with Jack Payne of Huddersfield Town

Chris Wood put Leeds in front in the first half with a close range finish, and whilst Reading dominated possession, it was Leeds who sealed the win as Souleymane Doukara converted a late penalty after Charlie Taylor had been fouled.

The result took Leeds into fifth place in the Championship table, and they lie just two points behind third placed Reading after beating Jaap Stam’s Royals.

If there was one blow to come out of the game, it was that striker Wood was taken off with an injury just 15 minutes after his goal, with Liam Bridcutt coming on in his place.

Leeds United manager Garry Monk before the matchLeeds United manager Garry Monk

Club captain Bridcutt has been ruled out through injured for the last three months, but made his return as a substitute against Reading, playing an hour in Leeds’ 2-0 win.

After the game though, manager Garry Monk spoke to BBC Radio Leeds about Bridcutt, and revealed that he didn’t actually want to use Bridcutt at all because he’s only just returned from injury.

Monk admitted that Bridcutt maybe played too many minutes against Reading after such a long time out, but had to use him after Wood’s injury – and added that the midfielder did well for the team in the 2-0 victory.

“I’ll be honest, I didn’t really want to use him at all,” said Monk. “It was a bit of a necessity at the moment though. Unfortunately Woody had that situation, so we had to adjust again. Liam came on and did very well, and those minutes will do him great. I think it was more minutes than I would have liked, but he did well for the team,” he added.

What did you think of Bridcutt’s display against Reading?