Pundit says out-on-loan Leeds ace should be dropped from XI, his ‘confidence is shot’

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Stephen Elliott has written in his Sunderland Echo column that Leeds United striker Joe Gelhardt should be dropped from Tony Mowbray’s starting XI – claiming the star’s “confidence is shot” and he needs taking out of the firing line.

Gelhardt, 20, struggled again on Saturday as the Black Cats drew with Luton Town at home. The Sunderland Echo gave him a rating of 5/10, with the striker missing a chance to score. There was praise for his ‘relentless’ work rate.

But that is now 10 appearances for Sunderland – scoring just one goal, in a 2-1 loss to Rotherham. He does have two assists but Gelhardt is struggling in front of goal and Sunderland fans are frustrated, with Ross Stewart sidelined.

After another poor display on Saturday has led to Sunderland icon Elliott calling for Mowbray to take action. There is a degree of sympathy for the Leeds man in his comments – but feels Gelhardt is lacking belief and should be axed.

“I believe he will go on and have a top career, but it isn’t working for him at the moment. He has a clever football brain and he takes up decent positions, but I feel it may be time to give somebody else a run up there,” Elliott said.

“He looks like a player whose confidence is shot to pieces in front of goal. Continuing to start him may do him more damage than good. He is snatching at chances and it may suit him to come on against a tiring defence late on.”

Elliott: Leeds striker Gelhardt should be dropped from Sunderland XI

There is no doubt that Gelhardt has the quality to play in the Championship, week in, week out. But, he has not made a good start at Sunderland. Of course, it is always difficult joining a team in the middle of the season.

But Leeds, Sunderland and Gelhardt would have expected more after 10 games. Elliott is right, perhaps a couple of games on the sidelines might do the England U21 man good. Even, a good international break with the Young Lions.