New Leeds United signing Liam Bridcutt feels he has to earn the right to feature in the club’s starting line-up.
The defensive midfielder, who has been heavily linked with a move to the Championship club for the last month, finally joined the Whites on a loan deal from Sunderland earlier today.
The 26-year-old admitted that he endured a tough spell at the Stadium of Light as he failed to make any appearances for the Black Cats this season.
However, Bridcutt, who explained that he is fully fit due to his appearances for Sunderland’s development side, insisted that he is ready to go straight into action if called upon by manager Steve Evans.
“I feel 100 per cent ready”, he told Leeds’ official site.
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“I’ve been playing reserve games at Sunderland and I’ve been keeping myself fit. I’ve been doing extra work and I don’t think my fitness will be a problem.
“It’s entirely up to the manager – I don’t expect to go straight into the team, I have to earn that right. I know we’ve got a good squad and it’s the manager’s decision if he feels I’m ready to go in.
“It’s been difficult for me – not getting the games that I needed and wanted at Sunderland. This is a brilliant opportunity for me to come and play as many games as I can.
“I know that the expectations here are high – it’s a very good club. The fans expect a lot. It’s a big club that I want to do well for.”
Leeds, who are currently 16th in the Championship with 19 points from 17 outings, lost 1-0 to Rotherham United last weekend.
Bridcutt’s new side will next face 15th-placed Queens Park Rangers in an away league game at Loftus Road on Saturday.
