Leeds United fell to a frustrating 1-0 defeat to QPR at Loftus Road on Saturday as they continue their poor run of form. 

Nahki Wells' first-half strike proved to be enough for the Hoops, with Kalvin Phillips being sent-off late on into the game after a poor challenge on Geoff Cameron.

Patrick Bamford missed a golden opportunity to level the scores on the day though, but he saw his penalty saved by QPR goalkeeper Liam Kelly.

Bamford doesn't have a recognised senior striker challenging him for his starting spot, with Eddie Nketiah being recalled by Arsenal from his loan spell at Elland Road.

Speaking to an interview with Football Insider, former Leeds man Noel Whelan feels as though Bielsa should be giving Ryan Edmondson more of a chance in the first team.

"You’ve only got one recognised striker in the club in the form of Patrick Bamford, if that’s all you’ve got, unfortunately, you’ve got to use him.

"He’s been scoring for fun in the U-23s, and sometimes beggars can’t be choosers."

Edmondson is yet to make an appearance for the Leeds first team this season, and hasn't been included on the substitutes bench, which is somewhat of a strange move by Bielsa, given that he doesn't have a striker to turn to if required during games.

Whelan went on to state that he thinks the Leeds boss is being 'a little bit stubborn' in continuing to freeze out the youngster from the first team setup.

"Even if you don’t fancy him as a player, you need some back up on the bench, you need an out-and-out striker on the bench and that’s all you’ve got, you’ve got to use him.

"It’s as simple as that, to not use him, is to be a little bit stubborn and stuck in your ways, you’ve got to have that outlet."

Leeds will be hoping they can return to winning ways when they return to action against Millwall on 28th January, in what will potentially be a tricky test against the play-off chasing Lions.

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The Verdict: 

I have to agree with Whelan here.

Edmondson has shown that he deserves a chance in the Leeds first team this season with a number of impressive showings for the Under-23s side in recent seasons.

If they aren't going to use him in the first team this season, then why aren't they loaning him out to further his development in senior football?

It's a bizarre stance to take by Bielsa.