Midfielder Adam Forshaw has declared his firm intention to be a part of Jesse Marsch’s starting XI when the Whites face Manchester City at Elland Road on 28 December.
With first team regular Tyler Adams due to be missing from the side due to suspension following a red card in Leeds’ 4-3 defeat to Tottenham before the mid-season break, Forshaw sees an opportunity to feature.
Marc Roca is almost nailed on to start against City barring an unexpected injury, with the experienced 31-year-old hoping to accompany him, pipping youngsters Sam Greenwood and Darko Gyabi to the position in the process.
With Leeds due to face La Liga side Elche in a friendly this evening [8 December], Forshaw will be hoping to feature and catch Marsch’s attention with a strong performance.
Speaking to BBC Radio Leeds prior to tonight’s fixture, Forshaw praised Greenwood, yet still stressed his willingness to fight for a place in the side:
“I haven’t had conversations with Jesse yet but I think the most obvious number sixes are me and Sam Greenwood.
“Sam has done brilliant recently when he’s come on in games.
“But there’s no doubt I’ll be fighting for my place, again.”
Strong words
Alongside displaying a clear readiness to feature for Leeds, Forshaw’s comments here may also act as an indirect confirmation of his desire to remain in Yorkshire amid recent rumours suggesting a departure may be on the cards in January.
Despite only having made three league appearances for the Whites in England’s top-flight this season, there is no doubt that Forshaw has quality, and experience to boot.
He has, admittedly, been incredibly unfortunate with repeated injuries; there is no doubt he would have featured more regularly if he were fully fit.
Could a renaissance be on the horizon for Forshaw in the second half of the season?
Only time will tell, but the Elland Road faithful will all be hoping that the answer is yes.
