LUFC Warnock explains defensive switch

Leeds United manager Neil Warnock explained his reasons for switching Tom Lees to right back in the win at Millwall on Saturday.

Warnock brought Alex Bruce back into the squad after recovering from injury and he partnered Darren O`Dea in the centre of defence.

Regular right back Paul Connolly was dropped to the substitutes bench allowing Lees to play in his position.

Warnock was conscious of Lees confidence following the heavy defeat against Nottingham Forest in midweek and preferred to go with Bruce in the centre to cope with the physical presence of Darius Henderson.

Speaking on Yorkshire Radio, Warnock said, "I felt Tom Lees was a little under par on Tuesday night and I thought with Darius Henderson being such a strong physical player, I didn`t want him to make a mistake early in the game and start panicking.

"I hadn`t seen him at right back and I wanted to take a look. It killed two birds with one stone because I got the chance to look at both Lees and Bruce, and I thought Tom played well."

Lees started the season at right back before moving into the centre following the absence of both Andy O`Brien and Patrick Kisnorbo.

With O`Dea set to miss the next two games through suspension, Warnock must decide whether to revert Lees back into the centre of defence.

Both Leigh Bromby and Andy O`Brien are close to a return and could also replace O`Dea.




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