Leeds United boss banks on Barkley bonus (From York Press)

Leeds United boss banks on Barkley bonus

9:35am Saturday 12th January 2013 in Sport

LEEDS United could pitch a formidable midfield into Yorkshire derby action when they visit bottom-placed Barnsley in the npower Championship today.

New on-loan signing Ross Barkley – Everton’s England Under-21 international dynamo – is in line to make his debut after being signed from the Blues until mid-February.

And Barkley could be joined in the heart of the Leeds’ team by Michael Tonge, who this week agreed a two-year deal with Leeds from Stoke from where he was on loan to the Elland Road club until the new year.

Manager Neil Warnock, back on touchline harness after a virus forced him to miss last week’s FA Cup third round draw with Birmingham City, may also recall Jamaican international powerhouse Rodolph Austin, who has also recovered from illness.

Warnock was particularly excited at the impact that 19-year-old midfielder Barkley could have.

Said the Leeds boss: “He had four other clubs after him so I’m delighted he has come to us.

“I’ve wanted to sign him for a long time. He’s got a great attitude and I have no doubt he will end up a top player.”

Barkley, who has just agreed a new contract with parent club Everton, is no stranger either to the demands of the npower Championship having already made 13 appearances for Sheffield Wednesday and scoring four goals in an early-season loan deal.