Jermaine Beckford was left confused by Javi Gracia's 'bizarre' refusal to call upon Wilfried Gnonto during Leeds United's draw with Leicester City. The Italy international was an unused substitute in the Whites' 1-1 draw with the Foxes on Tuesday night, despite the pleas from the Elland Road crowd calling for his introduction.
Gnonto has been one of the rare bright spots for Leeds this season in an otherwise troubled campaign, impressing since his summer deadline-day arrival for £3.8 million. The 19-year-old has registered five goals and four assists in all competitions so far, and has reportedly emerged as a transfer target for several of Europe's elite sides.
However, the forward has found himself sidelined by Gracia during the run-in, and has not been included in the starting eleven since the away win at Wolves last month. Crysencio Summerville replaced Luis Sinisterra in the first-half after the goalscorer picked up a knock, while Brenden Aaronson coming on for Rodrigo in the 68th minute was Leeds' only other change.
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Beckford was on punditry duties for BT Sport on Tuesday night, and sung the praises of 'fan favourite' Gnonto following the full-time whistle. The former Whites' striker also felt Gracia's reluctance to turn to the bench in the closing stages was odd, given Leicester's late equaliser and finish to the contest.
Beckford told BT Sport: " Do you know what? As soon as Luis Sinisterra got injured you could hear the whole stadium just erupt with Willy Gnonto - they started singing his song.
"There’s no doubt he’s a fan favourite, he’s a fantastic football player. He’s one of those players that as soon as he picks the ball up he’s so direct but his close control, such focus, such passion and the drive - the fans buzz off that sort of stuff.
"That’s what you need, especially when you’re at home. I don’t know [why he wasn’t brought on], if I’m being completely honest. I don’t know. There was another opportunity to bring him on as well, when Brenden Aaronson came on.
"There were only two substitutions today and one of them was forced and that’s bizarre. Especially when you can see the players are getting a little bit tired, a little bit leggy, Leicester were starting to dominate the game. I don’t know [why he wasn’t brought on], if I’m being completely honest."
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