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Leeds United forward options increased by Malcolm Christie availability
GARY McALLISTER admits the inclusion of Malcolm Christie in the starting line-up for Leeds United's FA Cup demolition of Northampton Town provided a tantalising glimpse into the future.
The 29-year-old made his first appearance in senior football for almost 19 months on Monday night as United cruised to a 5-2 FA Cup first round replay victory.
News of his inclusion in the side had been a closely guarded secret at Elland Road but McAllister felt the former Middlesbrough striker was ready after impressing in a solitary outing for the reserves and two behind-closed-doors friendlies.
Christie, who has spent much of this season building his fitness at the club's Thorp Arch training complex, played on a non-contract basis against the Cobblers.
His presence in the side meant the United manager, who admitted after the tie that the plan was to try to agree a deal with the former Middlesbrough man, was able to vividly illustrate the striking options at his disposal by replacing Christie and hat-trick hero Jermaine Beckford with Enoch Showunmi and Luciano Becchio for the final quarter.
Add in Andy Robinson and Robert Snodgrass, who has largely been utilised on the right of midfield or in a wide role as part of a front three, and it is no wonder McAllister is pleased with the attacking shape of his squad.
The Leeds manager said: "Malcolm brought a bit of guile and experience (to the game against Northampton).
"It also means we now have four main strikers at my disposal, which is pleasing. It bolsters the squad.
"It was very comforting to be able to take Malcolm and Jermaine off and replace them with Luciano and Enoch with 25 minutes to go."
Asked after the Northampton tie if he planned to discuss a contract with Christie, McAllister added: "That's the plan, yes."
Another striker who McAllister was particularly pleased with after the win at Sixfields was Beckford after the club's top scorer ended a barren seven-game scoreless run by netting a hat-trick.
The United chief, who watched FA Cup second-round opponents Histon against Stevenage last night, said: "I thought all the guys who came in against Northampton did exceptionally well.
"But I was delighted for Jermaine. It is always important for strikers to score because they come alive.
"He got one, then two and by the time the hat-trick goal came around he was on the prowl. I thought his finishing was excellent.
"They were different types of finish, just like his hat-trick earlier this season against Chester City in the Carling Cup. It was exquisite that night and it was the same against Northampton.
"There was never any doubt in my mind Jermaine would not get back scoring again. It has been a good test for him because he is still pretty green, it is not too long ago that he came out of non-League football.
"So, the barren spell was his first proper real test – certainly since I came to the club. He has been fine throughout it.
"Jermaine is a confident boy and providing we put the chances in front of him, I always feel confident he will score."
Leeds's heavy schedule continues this weekend with a home game against Hartlepool before returning down the M1 on Tuesday night for a League One encounter at Northampton.
McAllister added: "It was important after the last two results to bounce back. The good thing from playing Monday is we have another day's rest before Hartlepool on Saturday.
"The players are having a couple of days off because I think they are fed up of looking at each other at the moment.
"We are under no illusions that when we go back to Northampton that it will be a different game. Like Monday, we will have to fight and scrap all the way against a well organised side."
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Saturday 11 February 2012
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