'I will practice' - Pascal Struijk makes funny admission after Leeds United's win over Crystal Palace

Pascal Struijk joked he will be practising headers after Leeds United's 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace on Monday night.

The Whites toppled the visiting Eagles at Elland Road in Premier League action under the lights in LS11.

Goals from Jack Harrison and Patrick Bamford - his 100th career strike - secured all three points as Leeds leapfrogged Arsenal into the top half of the table ahead of this weekend's meeting with the Gunners.

Struijk was making his 13th appearance of the campaign following injuries to summer defensive recruits Robin Koch and Diego Llorente.

The 21-year-old has been called upon regularly this season both as a centre-back and a defensive midfielder to plug gaps in Marcelo Bielsa's line-up when required.

The academy graduate has proved a threat from set-pieces for the Whites since his inclusion but was guilty of spurning two glorious chances to add to the scoreline against Palace.

Struijk first failed to keep a header down from inside the six-yard box following a well-worked Raphinha free-kick, before nodding wide of the mark again as Stuart Dallas delivered when it looked easier to score.

"It could've been more goals," Struijk smiled post-match.

"I had two big chances, which I didn't seem to want to take unfortunately - but it's football and chances will come. I'll make sure I practise my headers and then try to get a goal next time.

"I think the boys are very happy with the performance. Two goals and a clean sheet, so we're happy. When we had the ball we basically controlled the whole game. We kept possession and just played when it was necessary.

"I'm enjoying my game time. I think it builds the relationship between me and Coops (Liam Cooper)."

Asked about Leeds moving into 10th place and 20 points clear of the relegation zone, he said: "I think the team looks at what we can do and the points we can still get.

"It's very good that we already have 32 points, but we still want to get as many as possible."