Leeds United: Roofe in the frame for extended stint up front

Kemar Roofe is in the frame for another extended chance up front after Leeds United head coach Thomas Christiansen credited the impact of the forward and Pablo Hernandez during Sunday's timely win over Middlesbrough.
Kemar Roofe celebrates Gjanni Alioski's goal against Middlesbrough.Kemar Roofe celebrates Gjanni Alioski's goal against Middlesbrough.
Kemar Roofe celebrates Gjanni Alioski's goal against Middlesbrough.

Christiansen hinted that Roofe’s performance as a lone centre-forward could move him ahead of Pierre-Michel Lasogga in the pecking order as Leeds looked to build on Sunday’s 2-1 victory away at Championship leaders Wolverhampton Wanderers on Wednesday night.

Lasogga – United’s leading scorer with five goals – missed the defeat of Boro through illness but Christiansen indicated that Roofe would have started regardless on the strength of his display in a 3-1 loss to Brentford before the international break.

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Roofe and Hernandez came off the bench to instigate an improved second-half display at Griffin Park and the pair were recalled and involved in both goals against Boro, with Hernandez scoring the opener on 24 minutes.

Kemar Roofe.Kemar Roofe.
Kemar Roofe.

Christiansen, who was battling to turn around a run of seven defeats from nine matches on Sunday, used Roofe up front in the early stages of the season, prior to Lasogga’s arrival from Hamburg, and the United head coach said: “He has always had good games when he’s come in as a striker.

“Pablo didn’t start the last game at Brentford but when he came in, as well as Roofe, they changed that game – a game which from my point of view we should have won. They got another opportunity to prove their worth and did so perfectly. But everyone was good. The defence were good and we showed the character I expected from the team. They proved that they have it again.” Christiansen could have Lasogga back for tomorrow’s trip to Molineux but speaking after the win over Boro, he said: “Let’s speak about the players who played. It’s most important. They are the ones who took the three points for the team.”