LIAM BRIDCUTT: I'VE ONLY HAD FIVE DAYS OF TRAINING
Skipper on injury return.
Leeds United captain Liam Bridcutt returned to the pitch after a long period out through injury in Tuesday’s victory over Reading.
Bridcutt hadn’t featured for United since the league victory over Blackburn Rovers in September, missing 16 matches in the process.
When Chris Wood got injured in the 30th minute of the midweek clash, Bridcutt was handed an earlier return than expected.
“I’ve been fast-tracked back with the squad, due to the injuries and suspensions we have, I’ve only had five days of training,” said Bridcutt.
“I’d been out ten weeks and now I have played over 70 minutes, things like that happen though in football and I am ready when called upon.
“We have a good medical team here, who have looked after me really well, the lads have been doing really well and it will be a battle to stay in the side, but one I am up for.”
The Leeds skipper was pleased to make a winning return to the side as United recorded a second successive win and clean sheet at Elland Road.
He said: “Tuesday’s game was always going to be tough, we knew they would have a lot of the ball, but we stuck to our game plan and we knew we could frustrate them and nick goals and that is what we did.
“Reading had a lot of possession, but didn’t really threaten us with it and we were happy with that, we just needed to keep our shape, look to counter and get the goals when we could.
“The team is maturing, a few months ago we could have lost discipline and had to chase the game, but we have been getting results with what we have been doing and we believe in what the head coach tell us.
“We have played Brighton, Newcastle and Reading, we want to be up there with those teams and the only way you can do that is by winning games.
“Now we want to get as many points on the board over the festive period and that will give us a great chance to push on.
“It was a tough start, but with the coaching staff and team that we have, we knew were always going to push and go for it.”
LUTV subscribers can see the full interview with Liam Bridcutt below:
