JERMAINE Beckford insists working overtime in midweek will not take the edge off a return to Elland Road.
Fresh from scoring twice in the extra-time Capital One Cup win over Crewe, the Wanderers striker is now targeting three points against the club who put him on the map as a youngster.
Beckford’s sensational scoring exploits for Leeds in League One made him a household name – and while he has yet to score in four attempts against his former employers, he hopes to have done enough to earn a start tomorrow.
“Two goals in 120 minutes is okay,” he told The Bolton News. “We didn’t take it into extra time intentionally, but things like this happen. It was good to get the minutes on the pitch but I’d have preferred us to do it in regular time and been able to put my feet up. That’s how it goes.
“I don’t think extra time will have a massive effect on us, or me, we’re fit and want to play football. We’re raring to go.”
On heading back to Leeds, where he scored 85 goals in 152 games, the 30-year-old had nothing but good things to say about his time in West Yorkshire.
“I had a great time there and learned so much,” he said. “Every time I go back there I get a great reception.
“The fans have been amazing to me, just like the club, and it’s always a pleasure to go back. It was an honour to play for a massive club like that and in a stadium like Elland Road.”
Beckford has yet to start a game in the Championship this season, kept out of the side by Joe Mason and Craig Davies thus far.
While his brace in midweek gave Dougie Freedman a timely reminder of his talents, Beckford is not about to go knocking on the manager’s door just yet.
“I’ve got competition but it’s not about being selfish,” he said. “Obviously it’s nice to play games and start, score goals, but it’s a long old season.
“The boys have been doing well up front so I can’t say anything at the moment, I just have to be patient.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here