Focused Mirco Antenucci intimidating Leeds United's opponents once again

The 31-year-old has banished talk of a frustrating four-month goal drought by netting three times in his last two outings.

For Antenucci, linked with a possible return to his home country in January, the return to the goalscoring trail has been welcome after a frustrating time when he was largely restricted to cameos from the bench.

“No-one disputes that Mirco is a very talented player,” said Evans. “When you have got a focused Mirco, you have got a player who you know defenders won’t want to face.

“The way he moved the ball for the first goal at Cardiff (scored by Souleymane Doukara) really impressed me and you only have to look at the absolute professionalism and aplomb with which Mirco took the second goal.

“He goes 60 yards up the pitch, perhaps thinking defenders would come from nowhere. But they don’t, the goalkeeper doesn’t come, and he makes the hardest job in football look like the easiest when he passes the ball into the far corner. When he plays like that, you have got a real player on your hands.”

Antenucci’s contract expires in the summer but there has been talk of a possible extension. For his part, Evans is focusing on what the Italian brings to the United side ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Blackburn Rovers.

Evans added: “A good future lies in front of him, wherever it is. If he continues to score goals then he puts himself in a wonderful position and he gives this club every opportunity to want to have that kid around for another 12 months or two years.

“When he is in the frame of mind he is in at the moment, I wouldn’t want my team to play against him.”