Redfearn backs Murphy to become a leader for United

NEIL REDFEARN believes Luke Murphy has the potential to emerge as one of Leeds United’s leaders after coming in from the cold.
Leeds United's new head coach Neil Redfearn.Leeds United's new head coach Neil Redfearn.
Leeds United's new head coach Neil Redfearn.

The 25-year-old, United’s only £1m signing in almost a decade, has netted twice in the last two games to help steady things at Elland Road.

Both were impressive strikes and underlined the vein of form Murphy has been in since ending a four-month exile from the first team after being dismissed at Bradford City in August.

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Redfearn, a regular goalscorer from midfield in his own career, said: “Luke has been excellent and is now starting to look like the potential we signed. He has a great touch, good awareness and he sees passes.

“He also has a range of finishing and I would like to see him get into the six-yard box a bit more.

“There is more to come, too. There is a leader in there. There were times when it didn’t look good for Luke but he toughed it out. I admire that.”

Murphy will make his fifth straight start today when Leeds tackle neighbours Huddersfield Town.

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United’s preparations have seen assistant manager Steve Thompson, on the staff at the John Smith’s Stadium as recently as last month, pass on the benefits of his knowledge to the players.

Redfearn also took in Town’s 1-0 Championship win at Wigan Athletic a week ago and the Leeds head coach is looking for his own side to use the confidence from the recent 1-0 win over promotion-chasing Bournemouth. “The DNA of this team is we want to play,” he said.

“It runs through the core. We have good footballers here. But we have also to be mindful of the division we are in and the waters we are swimming in, so we have to be tough and resolute as well.”