Leeds United: Sidelined skipper Bridcutt talks up Whites' play-off chances

Liam Bridcutt believes Leeds United have established themselves as firm promotion contenders during his injury absence, saying the club can “100 per cent be up there” in the Championship table at the end of the season.

United’s captain talked up their chances as he moved towards a comeback from the fractured foot bone which has forced him to miss more than two months of the campaign.

The midfielder was sidelined after a 2-1 win over Blackburn Rovers on September 13 and is still to resume full training. He will miss Sunday’s clash with Championship leaders Newcastle United but is likely to make his first-team return next month.

The narrow victory over Blackburn in September was a pivotal result for Leeds and head coach Garry Monk, beginning a run of four straight wins and redressing the damage done by a poor first month.

The club’s improved form saw them climb into the play-off zone after a 3-2 win over Norwich City 12 days ago, their first appearance in the Championship’s top six since December 2013.

Sunday’s meeting with Newcastle is another major test of Monk’s players but asked if Leeds were in genuine contention, Bridcutt, who previously made the play-offs with Brighton, said: “Without a doubt.

“The big thing from now to the end of the season is consistency. If we keep doing what we’ve been doing and picking up points then yes, 100 per cent we can be up there.

“It’s going to be difficult, we all know that. We’re not under illusions and we know this league can turn around as quickly as we pick up points. But we all have the mentality that we’re fighting for the top six. We know it’s going to be difficult but everyone’s ready for that opportunity.”

Leeds spent months negotiating a deal to bring Bridcutt in from Sunderland in the summer and the 27-year-old was handed the captaincy after Sol Bamba parted company with United at the end of the transfer window.

Injury, however, has restricted Bridcutt to only four appearances and he told LUTV: “It’s been frustrating and a new experience for me. I’ve never had an injury that’s kept me out for so long. It’s a learning curve.

“I’m fed up and itching to go but I’m getting closer now and looking forward to getting back to normal.”