The Telegraph report that Sam Allardyce is working closely with Leeds United youngsters Crysencio Summerville and Willy Gnonto behind the scenes – while Robbie Keane has a group of six attacking players, including those two.
Allardyce is preparing to take on his second game in charge as Leeds manager after a 2-1 defeat to Manchester City in his first outing – a result which has provided hope for fans. Next up is one of his old teams, Newcastle at home.
With three games to go, Allardyce has been tasked with keeping Leeds up. In 19th and two points adrift, Allardyce needs to tighten up the defence and get the attackers more efficient. Gnonto and Summerville are his port of call.
The duo, with a combined age of 40, are likely to be important to Leeds over the next three weeks. Gnonto started while Summerville came on against City. Keane, meanwhile, has been working with all of our fit attacking players.
They include Patrick Bamford, Jack Harrison, Georginio Rutter and Rodrigo – and the aforementioned duo. Whether it is enough to get a result on Saturday remains to be seen, but it’s clear Allardyce is going everything he can.
The Telegraph’s Jason Burt reports in his latest piece: “It is not about having fun, although there is laughter, but working closely with two young forwards: 19-year-old Wilfried Gnonto and Crysencio Summerville, 21.
“It is done with a purpose, helping to encourage them just as, earlier, Keane had taken the six-strong attacking unit which included those two plus Patrick Bamford, Rodrigo, Georginio Rutter and Jack Harrison,” Burt says.
Allardyce working closely with Leeds youngsters Summerville, Gnonto
It is going to be an interesting battle on Saturday. Newcastle boss Eddie Howe says the final result will be largely determined on the initial 15 or 20 minutes, and if Leeds can hold the Toon out early on – they have every chance.
Gnonto has the magic to make something out of nothing, if he can recapture the form that saw him shine in the early stages of the year. Goals against Cardiff, Manchester United and more. Leeds need everyone at their best.
