Ian Wright has urged Sam Allardyce to start Wilfried Gnonto as Leeds United look to escape relegation in their final two fixtures. The Match of the Day regular feels the Whites need 'brilliance' in order to avoid a return to the Championship, and believes the Italy international would excite the supporters alongside the likes of Jack Harrison.
Gnonto started Allardyce's first match in charge of the Whites, and was withdrawn just before the hour-mark of the narrow defeat at Manchester City. However, the summer signing was dropped back to the bench for the home draw with Newcastle United, having struggled for minutes under Allardyce's predecessor Javi Gracia.
Leeds know their relegation fate lies out of their own hands ahead of the trip to West Ham and their final-day encounter at Elland Road with Tottenham. The Whites sit a point adrift of safety and Everton, and a further two points behind Nottingham Forest.
READ MORE: Leeds United have an unexpected holiday concern to weigh up for dogfight run-in
Wright believes United are in need of players capable of making the 'step up' to lead the team to survival. The Arsenal legend has named Gnonto as one of those who should be in the starting eleven at the London Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
He told the Kelly and Wrighty Show via Leeds United News : “You need someone to step up. Whether it’s Harrison or Gnonto. Why not start Gnonto and the exciting players so it gets you going? They need some brilliance to stay up.”
READ NEXT
Leeds United supporters can find unlikely hope in Everton battle with unexpected twist
Leeds United U21s stars' World Cup call-ups hailed as a 'collective effort' from Thorp Arch staff
Leeds United chairman Andrea Radrizzani linked with takeover at another Italian club
Redemption and resilience underpin what Leeds United U21s' did as message sent to first team
Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher plot Leeds United's path to safety
