Marcelo Bielsa gives verdict on Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford's 'very important' hat-trick

Bamford made his first competitive start for the club since being ruled out for four months with knee ligament damage in early September.

The 25-year-old made his comeback from injury early completing 45 minutes at Newcastle United in the Premier League Cup two weeks ago before completing 90 minutes against Burnley at Barnfield Training Centre earlier this week.

United's £7m summer signing came through the clash unscathed scoring three goals in the process as Carlos Corberan's men ran out 6-3 winners in the Professional Development League.

The key stats behind Leeds United and the Championship's top goalscorers this seasonReflecting on his performance ahead of this weekend's Championship clash with Bolton, Bielsa said: "He scored three goals and for a number nine it’s a very important thing.

"He is well and he is available for the team, but of course, to reach the level he had before getting injured he needs more activity and more games, but he’s available to be a starter or to play as a substitute."

Bamford spoke to LUTV following the game: "It was nice. I probably could've had four, maybe five. Whenever it's a chance I want and expect to score.

"I should've scored at least four but I'm happy to get three and it was important in the end because it helped the team win.

"As a striker it's important to score it doesn't matter what level it's at. It's just getting confidence and match sharpness back to take into the first team action."