WITH his stock fast rising, Leeds United Neil Redfearn leads his men into battle against a Cardiff side tomorrow whose manager is under increasing pressure.

Head coach Redfearn’s reputation is such that he is among the four managers short-listed for today’s Championship manager of the month award for March, which will be announced today.

During the month Leeds were unbeaten in five matches and conceded a mere two goals while amassing 11 points that erased any threat of relegation.

Though that run ended with the unlucky Easter Monday 4-3 defeat at promotion-chasing Wolves, former York City youth coach and caretaker manager Redfearn is a manager on the up, unlike the Bluebirds’ chief, Russell Slade.

He remains under threat as he brings the Welsh ranks to Elland Road tomorrow.

Redfearn remained upbeat even after the loss at Wolves, where he fielded yet another of United’s Academy products, midfielder Kalvin Phillips.

Saif the Leeds head coach: “If we play with that desire, determination and will to win, we will win far more games than we will lose.”

He was delighted by Phillips’ impact and also the ninth goal of the season from Alex Mowatt, whose form is catching the covetous eyes of higher-grade clubs.

Of the predatory instincts of Mowatt, Redfearn purred: “Mowatt is a class act and his goal was unbelievable.”