Boss Hails Killa's Killer Instinct

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Neil Kilkenny's Leeds United manager Simon Grayson has praised the Beijing Olyroo for his attitude in winning back his spot in the Whites side in style.

The 23-year-old Australian was out of favour at Leeds for almost two months after Grayson took over at Elland Road just prior to Christmas, but Kilkenny has fought back to play in the Whites' last five fixtures.

And on Tuesday, Kilkenny stylishly capped his return to form in the side, when he scored a 30-yard cracker and set up another with a deft through-ball for Jermaine Beckford in Leeds' 4-0 triumph over Yeovil Town.

Grayson told the Yorkshire Evening Post, "He's been very good since he got back into the team and he's topped it by setting one up and scoring a goal against Yeovil, which has done him the world of good."

Kilkenny's wonder strike will be a welcome confidence boost for the youngster, but Grayson added he believes the Beijing Olyroo already has his head well screwed on as he possesses a great mentality and attitude having been overlooked for so long earlier this year.

"To be fair to him, when he's been out of the team he's worked ever so hard in training and I've told him that," Grayson said.

"He must have knocked on my door about half a dozen times within the first couple of weeks I was here, telling me he was one of the better midfield players here and that he should be in the team. I liked his attitude.

"He showed a lot of confidence and belief in his ability and I kept telling him to keep working hard in training and when you get an opportunity, which you will do, then grasp it and he's done that."

Leeds have stormed into the League One playoff spots and up to fifth, having collected 11 out of 15 points since Kilkenny returned to the side in late February and this weekend the Whites have a very winnable game against struggling Swindon Town.

And Grayson admitted considering Leeds' good form coinciding with Kilkenny's return to the team, the Australian is likely to retain his place in the first-team.

"He's got the shirt and, like a lot of the other players, when the team's winning he'll keep it," Grayson concluded.

Leeds will be in action on Saturday in League One this weekend, hosting Swindon Town at Elland Road.