'Got to start' - Leeds employee implores Marsch to select 'astonishing' gem against Brighton

Leeds United employee Noel Whelan has backed Joe Gelhardt to play a leading role against Brighton in their crucial Premier League match this afternoon. 

Already likely to be without talismanic striker Patrick Bamford after Jesse Marsch confirmed that the 28-year-old was still being ‘assessed’ during Friday’s pre-match press conference, Dan James’ suspension leaves the Whites with little in the way of attacking options.

Rodrigo completed 90 minutes in midweek against Chelsea but the Spaniard can also play in deeper roles, whilst winger Jack Harrison was added to the injury list as Leeds succumbed to a 3-0 victory at Elland Road.

Gelhardt was chosen to lead the line recently against Arsenal before being withdrawn when Luke Ayling saw red inside the opening half-hour, and Whelan has backed the 20-year-old to be handed another opportunity…

Speaking to Football Insider, the Leeds ambassador urged Marsch to opt for a more ‘natural’ centre-forward option for today’s clash against Graham Potter’s side.

The 47-year-old said: “It’s very difficult as a young player to come into any squad when you’re on the back of defeats. It’s a lot to carry on your shoulders and a lot of responsibility.

“It’s made more difficult with the injuries and the sending offs. We’re losing that experience, we’re losing players. Dan James, Luke Ayling, Stuart Dallas, Adam Forshaw, that is a huge amount of experience in these last few games we’re missing. I hope it doesn’t hurt us, I hope somebody steps into their shoes and becomes that leader. Probably a little bit earlier than they expected.

“We’ve not had a natural goalscoring striker, a number nine, all season. That’s been difficult for us. Whoever’s played there has found it quite difficult to play