Injured Leeds United defender Patrick Kisnorbo has become a ‘cheerleader’ during the club’s promotion drive.

Aussie Kisnorbo, whose ruptured Achilles keeps him out of this summer’s World Cup, is expected to be sidelined until October and has become one of Leeds’ keenest fans.

Manager Simon Grayson said: “Paddy has been turning up regularly to cheer the lads on. He even went with us to Gillingham, which shows the kind of togetherness we have at this club.

“October is the time scale the physios and surgeon have put on his return but hopefully he will be back quicker than that. He will get the right rehab and return fitter, stronger and ready to go, but whatever happens he will miss the first month of next season at least.”

Former Leicester central defender Kisnorbo, 29, has been arguably Leeds’ most consistent performer this season and he said: “The timing of the injury is my worst nightmare, with Leeds trying to seal promotion and the World Cup coming up.

“I’d like to be back running in July and the medics have said it will probably be a couple of months into the season before I’m playing again. It’s hard but I have to deal with it in the best way I can.”