Leeds United boss Neil Redfearn has emphasised Rudy Austin's importance to the side, calling his injury absence a big miss for the Whites.
Austin was strongly linked with leaving Leeds in the winter transfer window, but much to Redfearn's delight stayed put at Elland Road.
He scored a superb goal in Leeds' 3-2 home defeat to Watford at the weekend, but picked up an injury niggle in the same game and is now looking at three weeks on the sidelines in what is a big blow for the Whites.
As a result he will miss Leeds' clash against Ipswich Town this evening, but Redfearn is still visibly delighted at the fact Austin is still at the club in the first place.
"There were a lot of people who wanted him before the transfer deadline and they're not stupid", he told LUTV.
relatedNewsStory
"The Championship is a tough division to play in. Rudy knows the level. He's very combative as a midfield player, very mobile, very athletic, he can see a pass, he's got a goal in him as we saw on Saturday.
"And he gives you momentum, particularly at home. He gets after people and has been a big plus for us recently.
"He's a big loss", the Whites boss added, bemoaning the fact Austin is now out of action.
Redfearn brought on Brazilian midfielder Adryan to replace Austin against Watford. It remains to be seen if Adryan will be trusted with once again filling the role when Ipswich visit Elland Road this evening.
Like betting on football? Check out our sister site Inside Bet. Free bet offers, betting tips, betting facts. Visit Inside Bet.
