Stuttering Leeds United still believe they're Championship's best, ahead of Nottingham Forest and Brentford clashes

Tyler Roberts and the Whites are in defiant mood, despite a recent record of two wins in 10 games and a 1-0 defeat by relegation-battling Wigan Athletic in their last outing.

The league table shows them second, behind West Brom and the form tables tell a worse story.

But Roberts insists Leeds’ confidence in their ability to get promotion to the Premier League is undented.

“All of the boys know we’re the best team in the Championship, we deserve to go up,” he said.

“We’ve shown that, even last season and this season especially with our performances, dominating game after game. We know that we’ve got it in ourselves and we believe we can get it over the finish line.”

A trip to Forest is next up for United, before Tuesday night’s game at Brentford. Games against the sides in fourth and fifth won’t be season-defining, says Roberts, but they are occasions to be relished.

“There’s still a long way to go, everyone knows that, there’s still 18 games,” he said. “After [Forest and Brentford] there’ll be 16. Anything can happen after that. They’re two great games to go and battle against the teams who are fighting with us. It’ll show what we’re about.”

Roberts, who made a comeback from his latest injury as a substitute against Wigan, is adamant that Leeds will be their usual dominant selves at the City Ground and at Griffin Park.

But more than that, the 21-year-old believes six points are well within United’s grasp.

“I’m sure we’ll play our usual game, dominate possession, create chances,” he said.

“I believe we can win both games and I’m sure everyone in the dressing room does as well.”

The attacker has played just 427 minutes for Leeds United this season due to injuries but was happy to play for the first time in 2020 so far when he replaced Gjanni Alioski midway through the second half on Saturday.

And he’s hopeful of a chance to get fully fit once again, in order to help Leeds in the promotion run-in.

“I’m pleased to be back on the pitch of course,” he said.

“I felt alright. I enjoyed being back out there.

“I need to continue to play games and get that match fitness so I’m really sharp.

“I think I did okay. I tried to just get on the ball and make things happen.

“That’s what I’ll keep trying to do and what I’ll bring to the team.”