'They were already up' - former Leeds United captain on personal relief at Whites win at Swansea City

FORMER Whites captain Stephen Warnock says Leeds United now have "one foot in the Premier" with the former defender expecting another victory against Barnsley - and personally relieved by Sunday's victory at Swansea City.
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Marcelo Bielsa's side now need a maximum of four points from their last three fixtures to guarantee automatic promotion - even if second-placed West Brom and third-placed Brentford win all of their remaining games.

With three fixtures left, United sit three points clear at the top of the division and hold a six-point cushion in the automatic promotion spots ahead of Thursday evening's hosting of the division's bottom-placed side Barnsley.

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The picture was looking slightly less rosy up until the 89th minute of Sunday's clash at Swansea City at which point Pablo Hernandez finished off a fantastic flowing move to seal a 1-0 victory.

HUGE VICTORY: Leeds United celebrate Sunday's dramatic win at Swansea City. Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images.HUGE VICTORY: Leeds United celebrate Sunday's dramatic win at Swansea City. Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images.
HUGE VICTORY: Leeds United celebrate Sunday's dramatic win at Swansea City. Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images.

The magnitude of the goal was obvious given United's celebrations - and Warnock admits he too was left somewhat personally relieved.

"It was a huge win, really big, not only for Leeds but for me as well after me putting a Tweet out the day before saying I thought they were already up," laughed Warnock, speaking on Sky Sports' The Football Show.

"It was a huge win for them, to get it so late on as well, and to have that six-point gap with three games remaining.

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"They should win the game against Barnsley on Thursday night, it will be a derby game so it will be difficult but they have a foot in the Premier League and I do think they will make it now."

Warnock added: "It's about belief and it's about the process that you have been adhering to all season.

"It's understanding that what you are doing is the right way, it's what's got you to the top of the league.

"They will be nervous, I think there will be nerves there, but I think they have been and gone in the past couple of weeks.

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"I think there's a belief now and I think they will see it out.

"I think they will get the result against Barnsley.

"I think Barnsley will be very nervous going into the game because they know when Leeds turn up they can steam-roller teams.

"Keep playing the way they have been playing all season because that high energy football is back and they are a formidable team when they play that way."

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