Kalvin Phillips admits benefit of Leeds United rest following enforced break from action

Kalvin Phillips believes that a rest from Championship action has helped him recharge his batteries but admits he would've far preferred playing following suspension.

The 24-year-old was sent off last month in a controversial 1-0 defeat to Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road which resulted in a three-game ban.

Phillips was given his marching orders by referee Peter Bankes following a lunge on defender Geoff Cameron with time running out in the capital.

United's key midfielder returned to Marcelo Bielsa's matchday squad last week for the 1-1 draw at Brentford before helping the Whites to a 1-0 victory over Bristol City at Elland Road.

Phillips played a crucial role in helping United pick up four points from their final two games of the week as the Whites got their push for automatic promotion to the Premier League back on track.

"I think so," Phillips told LUTV about reaping the benefits of a break.

"I obviously didn't want to get the red card which was disappointing. It was a bad mistake from me.

"I think the break that I had has kind of let me regenerate physically and mentally.

"I've come back to try and do the best for the team. We've had two good results in the last two games so hopefully we can keep it going.

"We now know that the point gap we had is gone. It's basically a new start to the season.

"We've got thirteen games to get as many points as we can and hopefully get promoted.

"We know we have to knuckle down and concentrate as much as possible and work as hard as we can as a team."

Asked about picking up a first clean sheet in 12 league outings against the Robins, he added: "I think it's massive. We hadn't had a clean sheet in a while.

"We had conceded too many goals from after Christmas so it was massive for us and we were very happy with it.

"We know that Bristol are a good team. We made it difficult for them, they couldn't really play and it made it easier for us to get the win."