Keogh tips Leeds for sustained promotion challenge

The Elland Road club kick-started their season on Tuesday night with a much-needed 4-1 derby win over Hull City.

As comprehensive as the final scoreline was, perhaps the most pleasing aspect of the night was the striking manner of United’s display.

With Ramon Nunez and Robert Snodgrass impressive out wide and Adam Clayton again underlining his potential in central midfield, Leeds ripped the Tigers apart to mark Keogh’s first appearance since his loan switch from Wolves with a resounding win.

Keogh, who missed just four games as Wanderers won promotion to the Premier League in 2008-09, said: “I thought our performance was great. There may have been a bit of a downer among the fans (ahead of Tuesday night) but I knew just from looking at the squad what quality there was.

“Wingers like Snodgrass can create something out of nothing so I knew Leeds had every chance of getting it right.

“McCormack was excellent too and I was really impressed with the predatory instincts that we showed. Especially when you think that (Max) Gradel is to come back in.”

The victory saw United soar from second bottom into the middle of the fledgling league table to ensure Grayson’s men travel to West Ham United for Sunday’s televised encounter in buoyant mood.

Asked if Leeds had the potential to challenge for promotion, Keogh said: “This is a hard league. But that performance has to give us hope and make us believe we have a good chance.

“How Leeds did last season shows what the club is capable of as well.

“West Ham will be tough but we will have a bit of confidence after the way we beat Hull.”

Keogh’s arrival on loan until January means the 25-year-old’s career has gone full circle after he spent two years at Elland Road as an apprentice.

His first game in professional football actually came in United colours at Fratton Park in the Carling Cup but it proved to be his only appearance before being sold to Scunthorpe United by then manager Kevin Blackwell.

Keogh said: “I didn’t get my chance first time and that was disappointing. I had chosen Leeds over a lot of other clubs when I was 15 so had really wanted to play for them.

“But it was not to be and the decision was taken to sell me. There were a lot of things going on and I left for £50,000.

“It was a surprise, especially as I doubt that £50,000 proved too useful to the club. Maybe it just wasn’t meant to be and I was not the manager’s cup of tea. That is how it goes in football and you have to move on, which is what I did by joining Scunthorpe.

“In a funny way, though, it ended up being the making of me as I got to play for a great manager in Brian Laws.

“I formed a great partnership with Billy Sharp and, eventually, got the move to Wolves and the Premier League.”

After two years in the top flight, Keogh appears surplus to requirements at Molineux as indicated by Mick McCarthy’s willingness to loan the striker to Leeds.

With his Wolves contract due to expire next summer, the striker accepts his future probably lies away from the Black Country.

He said: “My aim is just to win games and impress people, as they will be the ones who decide on my future. After that, I can’t do a lot more.

“I am just happy to be back at Leeds. My career has gone full circle in a way.

“Leeds will always hold a place in my heart because it was the first place I came in England. I was a Celtic fan as a boy but I still always looked out for Leeds.

“It was why I was so keen to come back. I actually found out Leeds were interested over the weekend.

“The Wolves chief executive (Jez Moxey) rang me up and asked, ‘Do you fancy Leeds?’ I didn’t have to think twice to say ‘yes’ and I was here the following day.

“Playing my first 90 minutes was great, as was having my name sung by the Leeds fans. That was all I wanted to happen when I was a young lad.”

The Elland Road crowd’s appreciation of Keogh was understandable after a hard-working debut that saw the Republic of Ireland international bring some much-needed physical presence to the frontline.

Keogh added: “It was a good performance against Hull and with players coming back we can only get stronger.

“The only disappointment was I didn’t get a goal. It was my first 90 minutes of the season so it was tough on the legs.

“But the main thing is we got the win, with the bonus it came in a local derby. Everyone is happy and now we must look to build on this, starting at West Ham.”

Pearson warns toothless Tigers

Nigel Pearson is demanding a quick response from his Hull City players after seeing his side mauled at the hands of Leeds United.

“The fashion of the defeat makes it difficult,” said a dejected Pearson.

“I can’t keep talking about us creating chances and not taking them.

“It was a poor result for us, it’s as simple as that.

“We need to start scoring goals, whether that’s with the people we have or with new personnel.

“I need to find some answers.”

The Tigers face Crystal Palace on Saturday with Pearson eager to improve Hull’s poor home form.

He said: “We need to address our home form, the challenge after last night is to bounce back. I am determined not to allow a result like Tuesday night to affect our long-term goals.”

Following the visit of Palace, Hull then entertain Reading the following Saturday.