Keogh takes praise from chart-topper McCormack

The 25-year-old’s nine goals in 11 appearances mean he leads the way alongside Southampton’s Rickie Lambert, whose tally has come from one more game for the table-toppers.

Both strikers have also netted twice in three Carling Cup outings to underline their importance to the two sides’ prospects this term.

For McCormack, such an impressive return is in stark contrast to last season when he took until the penultimate weekend to break his scoring duck in a Leeds shirt.

He said: “I have been happy with all the goals, and I did enjoy the one at Doncaster. But probably my favourite was the one that beat Crystal Palace (3-2) last month.

“It was really late on and things weren’t quite going right for us. But we got the three points and that win helped us go on a little bit of a run.”

Asked why this season has been much more profitable than his first 12 months at Elland Road, McCormack added: “I am not sure, to be fair. But it is enjoyable to play in an attack-minded side.

“I go on the pitch every single game thinking, ‘I will get at least one chance to score today’. We have so many creative players here that it seems the chances always come along.

“My job is to keep working hard and try to take those chances when they happen.”

Leeds slipped to 11th in midweek following a 1-1 draw with Coventry City at Elland Road but McCormack insists: “I do believe the season is building nicely for the team. Partnerships are important all over the pitch and we are fortunate that quite a few are blossoming. Tom Lees and Darren O’Dea have done well lately at the back, while Aidy White and Danny Pugh have also looked good down the left.

“Me and Andy Keogh work hard together up front, though of the two of us Andy probably works harder – which is great for me as he has helped me score some goals.

“I have been fortunate in my career to play with some good frontmen, lads like Jay Bothroyd and Chris Porter at Motherwell. Andy is up there with both of them.”