Leeds United forward Wilfried Gnonto jokes about Championship promotion battle after new twist

Leeds United winger Wilfried Gnonto is enjoying the Championship promotion battle - but wishes his side were 15 points clear at the top.

As we approach the halfway mark in the season, there is currently three points separating the top four. Sheffield United knocked the Whites off top spot after yesterday's pulsating 2-2 draw at West Bromwich Albion.

Leeds are a point clear of Burnley, who were forced to settle for a draw last time out against Middlesbrough. Fourth-placed Sunderland kept themselves in the mix with a come-from-behind win over Stoke City.

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Gnonto, brought on as a second half substitute in Saturday's comfortable victory at home to Derby County, joked in an interview with Sky Sports that he had hoped United would run-away with the league after missing out on automatic promotion last term after amassing a whopping 90 points. But the Italian international admitted: "But we know it's not possible and the Championship is always really competitive. We always knew we were going to have good teams to beat. We know we are a really good team as well and we were really close last year and we are looking for a different ending this season."

Daniel Farke's team welcome in-form Middlesbrough to Elland Road tomorrow looking to maintain their stellar run of form on their own turf. Leeds go into the clash targeting an eighth successive home win. Opportunity knocks for them to go back to the top of the pile as the Blades are not in action until Wednesday evening when they visit Millwall.

Gnonto will be pushing for a recall. When asked about his season, he said: “I’m working to try my best, to give my best every day and to be the best player I can be. I’ve been fit for every game and I’m really happy with where I am physically. I think I could have contributed more [goals and assists] but I know I still have more to give.

“I feel like you can see a difference in the way I started this season and the way I’m playing now. I’m trying to play with more freedom, and the manager has given me that freedom to play. It’s up to me now to give something back and help the team.”