Leeds United: Big away following might work in our favour '“ Lennon

Leeds’ biggest away following since November 2013 – and the largest visiting support ever at the Macron Stadium – will make up a big proportion of the crowd against crisis club Wanderers. Home fans have watched sparse fare so far this term, witnessing just four wins in all competitions, but Lennon believes today’s atmosphere – and presence of a huge army of Leeds fans – might work for Bolton as opposed to against them.

Lennon said: “The atmosphere will be a little bit different because of the allocation Leeds have been given, but it’s something the players should draw from.

“There will be a great atmosphere – and that’s not saying it hasn’t been good already – but there is something different about a cup game.

“It’s a distraction from the league and the problems, and if we win the game who knows what we can do after that? That is what is driving me.”

While Lennon has his own problems to contend with at Bolton to turn the club’s stricken fortunes around, he believes that Leeds are showing welcome signs of consolidating under Steve Evans.

He added: “Steve is a very good manager. He has steadied the ship now and that’s no mean task at a club like Leeds because it is not an easy job. It seems to have been a good transition and they look a hard team to beat. They are a big club and they’ve had their difficulties over the last five, 10 years. “But it’s good for football to see them on the way back up, it’s good for the game to have a successful Leeds United.”