Leeds United legend Eddie Gray was pleased to see Alex Mowatt impress against Cambridge United on Monday night, in a 2-1 FA Cup win, but feels the Whites midfielder has not done enough recently to play regularly this season.

A key man for Leeds over the last couple of seasons, the 21-year-old midfielder has seen his stock fall at Elland Road this term under Garry Monk and has only played 13 league games.




Mowatt got an opportunity to start against Cambridge in the FA Cup third round clash and he grabbed at the chance by scoring a goal in Leeds’ 2-1 win over their plucky League Two opponents.

Reflecting on Mowatt not getting enough opportunities this season, Gray insisted that the player has got to be honest with himself as he has not been playing well enough to warrant a place in the side.
 


However, the former White was pleased to see the young midfielder provide a glimpse of his talent and admits that it is not always easy to bounce back from a bout of poor form and a lack of confidence.  

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The former midfielder told LUTV: “I've got be honest about it; Alex by his own admission would be saying that he has not been playing well.

“He has not been playing well enough to get into the side and I said before the game that it’s a big night for Alex Mowatt.

"I thought he needed to start playing again, showing Garry what he can do, showing the supporters that he can still be a big influence for the football club.

“And I though he played well tonight; he is one of the players who helped turn the game around.

"He was getting on the ball, his passing was good, couple of shots on goal and then he scores the header.

“So I was pleased for the boy because basically for couple of seasons he was one of the top men at the football club and it’s disappointing when you lose that little bit of form and confidence.

“I was pleased to see him playing well for himself and for the side.”

Mowatt will be hoping to play more minutes in the second half of the season as he looks to convince Monk about his value in the Leeds squad.