Neil Warnock believes the Leeds love affair with El-Hadji Diouf can run and run.
Diouf is the man of the moment as the Whites aim to head into the international break with a Yorkshire derby win over Barnsley at Elland Road on Saturday.
The controversial African was named captain by Warnock for Tuesday’s 2-2 draw at his old club Bolton.
The Leeds chief hopes to tie Diouf to a long-term deal – his current one expires in January. And he reckons the striker wants to make a name for himself at the club.
Warnock said: “He’s loving being part of it at a big club with a big stage and a lot of fans.
“I’d like to think he is playing like he is because of the way I’m treating him. He’s playing without a care in the world and showing why he is one of the top players in the country.
“From his own point of view, I don’t see he could be anywhere better than Leeds at the minute.
“He’s been unplayable at times and I feel proud when I see him performing like he is.”
Barnsley did the double over Leeds last season but a midweek loss to bottom club Peterborough was hardly the best preparation.
Boss Keith Hill said: “Our players have got to remind themselves how we get our success. We have to out-run the opposition and normally our passing is better.
“But I’m not going to throw myself off a bridge. The players have got to respond and I believe and trust in them. It’s not a case of ripping up and starting again.”
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