Leeds United backed to be '˜in the mix' for promotion by Rotherham boss Kenny Jackett

Leeds United head coach Garry Monk. Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe

Rotherham United boss Kenny Jackett believes Leeds United have a shot at promotion this season as he praised the management and recruitment of Garry Monk ahead of the clubs' Yorkshire derby on Saturday.

Jackett, whose team are bottom of the Championship, also feels United’s form under Monk has marked them out as “one of the sides who have a chance” of making the Premier League in May.

Leeds head into the clash with Rotherham in seventh place in the table having dropped out of the play-off zone after a 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United on Sunday.

United’s performances in October earned Monk a place on the shortlist for the Championship’s manager-of-the-month award – a prize won by Newcastle’s Rafa Benitez – and Jackett added his voice to the praise of the 37-year-old’s impact at Elland Road.

Monk takes charge of his 22nd competitive game this weekend and is already the third longest-serving of seven managers and head coaches who have worked under United owner Massimo Cellino.

Jackett said: “They’ve done very well and they’ve evolved as the season’s gone on.

“The players Garry’s signed have been very good and made a difference. Like a high number of clubs in the Championship they’re expecting to get into the Premier League. It’s a competitive league but Leeds are one of the sides this season who have a chance.

“Garry’s an excellent manager with a good track record. It’s early for him but so far at Leeds it’s been a very good job.”