Leeds United manager Neil Warnock has praised Ross Barkley after the Everton loanee put in an encouraging performance in the weekend’s clash against Barnsley.

The match against their Yorkshire rivals ended in disappointment for Leeds, who went down to a 2-0 defeat against the Championship strugglers.

But the performance of Barkley, who has joined on loan from the Toffees in a bid to get more game time, was a positive element in an otherwise forgettable day.

And Warnock admits he was not surprised by the 19-year-old’s display, saying he was well aware of what he would bring to the Elland Road outfit.

"I said to him afterwards that we’re not always like that", Warnock told his club’s official site.

"You could see why we brought him here and you could see what he’s got. He’s got good energy, he created chances out of nothing and he was the one bright spark of the team.

"I thought the Leeds fans could see that with the reception he got at the end. They appreciated him and what he brought to the team."

Barkley will be unavailable for Leeds’ next match, an FA Cup third-round replay against Birmingham on Tuesday evening.

The midfielder is ineligible for the fixture, alongside fellow January signing Michael Tongue, having signed for United after the initial 1-1 draw with the Blues.

A victory for Warnock’s men would see them secure a home tie against Tottenham Hotspur in the competition’s fourth round.

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