Friday, 22nd November, 2013
Leeds United boss Brian McDermott has explained that he picks his team based on what he sees in training day in day out, adopting an honest approach.
McDermott has a wealth of options heading into tomorrow's Championship clash against Middlesbrough with Sam Byram, Stephen Warnock and Alex Mowatt all available to face Aitor Karanka's men.
And when it comes to team selection, McDermott believes it is essential he earns the respect of the players, which he feels he has succeeded in gaining so far.
"I know what team I will pick on Saturday, and the players know", he told his club's official site.
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"I try to pick a team that I think will be right for the occasion. I try to do it honestly, go with my gut feeling all the time, and I never go with soft decisions. Soft decisions are easy.
"Supporters will ask sometimes ‘why isn’t he playing?’ but I see training every day and I try and pick a team as honestly I can. I have the respect of the players.
"I’d been talking to Danny Pugh and saying ‘you’ll get your chance.’ It was the same with Browny [Michael Brown, ed.]. I’m a big believer that we’re all in this together.
"I’d never write anyone off. A player who hasn’t played for a long time can come in and be a part of things, and for me if any one player puts a Leeds United shirt on they will be backed by our supporters."
McDermott's Leeds side currently sit eighth in the Championship standings and are just a single point off the playoff places.
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