Leeds United’s only disappointment from last night’s 4-0 win at Swansea City was losing Patrick Bamford to injury.
Bamford had been pencilled in to start in South Wales but was forced to pull out in the warm-up due to some muscular/ligament problems, with the severity of the injury unknown.
Joel Piroe was the man tasked with replacing him in the starting line-up on short notice, in what was actually his first Championship start of 2024, at his old club.
And for the second time this season, Piroe came back to haunt his former employers as he got on the scoresheet inside the opening 10 minutes to help Leeds on their way to an easy win.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, Daniel Farke was absolutely delighted with the way Piroe took his opportunity on such short notice, after a period out of the team.
Farke delighted with Piroe impact
He said: “Joel delivered in a perfect way. Workload. Goal. Stuck to the plan. Even more impressive and happy with how the team reacted.”
The form of Bamford in recent weeks has meant Piroe has had to be patient in his quest for game time, with the former the happiest he has been on the pitch in a long time.
Aside from his stoppage time winner against Preston North End last month, it has not been an easy time for Piroe, as he has struggled even in the games he has played in the FA Cup.
But a goal on the return to his former club should give him all the confidence he needs to go on a run, particularly if Bamford does go onto miss an extended period of matches.
Piroe is a completely different type of striker to Bamford but if there is one thing he does have over him, it is that you would back him to finish the chances that come his way.
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