Glenn Murray and Jermaine Beckford have praised Patrick Bamford for the impact the Leeds United forward has had upon his return to the starting XI in the FA Cup fourth round 3-1 win vs Accrington Stanley.
Bamford was named in Leeds' starting XI for just the fifth time this season by Jesse Marsch during the win against their League One opposition. The striker put in a superb performance and provided two assists, teeing up both Jack Harrison and Junior Firpo.
The Whites' centre forward was unlucky not to have scored himself as he showed his side what they had been missing following his absence from the squad. When asked how big a difference it will make to have Bamford back at Marsch's disposal, Beckford heaped praise on the 29-year-old for his role in the American coach's team.
ALSO READ: Player ratings - Accrington Stanley 1-3 Leeds United
"Yeah, massive," he told the BBC. "Leeds have missed Patrick Bamford so much and everyone knows it, when you lose your goal scorer, that is the man man you don't want to lose and he was really on the cusp of a wave. Got in the England squad and unfortunately been cut down by injuries but we can just see his quality coming back - it's really nice to see him back in among the goals."
Jermaine Beckford agreed with Murray and praised the forward for his work off the ball, something that he thinks Leeds have struggled to replace following his absence.
"One of the main things Leeds have missed since Patrick has been out is his selfless running," he added. "The high energy, high intensity and just causing every defender all sorts of issues and problems. So to have him back with with support is a major boost."
READ NEXT:
Jesse Marsch explains his Leeds United defensive dilemma amid blossoming new partnership
McKennie signs and Harrison stays: Leeds United's perfect ending to the January transfer window
'Perfect fit' - Leeds United loanee Joe Gelhardt's first words as a Sunderland player
Marseille 'agree' cut-price deal for Leeds United January target Azzedine Ounahi
