Leeds United boss Simon Grayson was full of praise for striker Ross McCormack after the win against Newcastle with the former Cardiff City striker playing as a lone striker.
McCormack failed to find the net in Leeds 3-2 win over Newcastle but Grayson insists that he gives the side more than just goals.
Speaking on Yorkshire Radio, Grayson said, “He has fantastic movement, he comes short, he goes long, he comes into little pockets, into holes, his technical ability is up there with the best of them. “He`s said to me for a few weeks now that he feels that he can play that lone striker role, we`ve given him the opportunity, and he is a handful.
“You lose the aerial threat of a big target man up front, but what he does, he`s got fantastic movement and ability and I was very pleased with his performance today.”
With last seasons leading goalscorer Luciano Becchio ruled out for the start of the season and fellow striker Davide Somma ruled out long term, Grayson is looking for someone to fill the role left by Becchio`s absence.
It looks like a straight race between McCormack and Billy Paynter for the starting place at Southampton next week.
McCormack has failed to score during pre season, also missed two penalties.
Paynter came off the bench against Newcastle to score the winner and his only goal of pre season.
Both players signed for Leeds last summer and managed just three goals between them during last season.
Paynter`s only goal came at Preston North End in March, whilst McCormack scored in Leeds final two league games for his only goals of the season.
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