Poleon hoping to renew hosilities with bantams

CAUSING HAVOC: Dominic Poleon in action against Coventry on Tuesday.

DOMINIC Poleon is a veteran of plenty of battles with Bradford.

The quick forward signed for Leeds United from Southend at 16 five years ago then, at 21, went on to make his mark as a reliable scorer for the Elland Road club at youth and reserve level.

Poleon’s eventual first-team breakthrough arrived from then-boss Neil Warnock. Having mainly featured as a substitute and on loan at Bury and Sheffield United, he was transferred to Athletic in a bid to kick-start his career.

But as for his chance of renewing acquaintance with old sparring partners Bradford tomorrow at SportsDirect.com Park, Poleon might again have to make do with a subs spot.

“You just have to put the work in on the training pitch,” said Poleon, who gave way to a front two of Jabo Ibehre and Jonathan Forte for the win over Coventry.

“No spot is guaranteed, but it is always in your hands to get it. If there is any professional player who doesn’t want to play in every game, then there must be something wrong.”

Poleon respects manager Lee Johnson enough to be going all-out to prove himself worthy of more game-time.

“With the team we have got, you can see we are creating chances. It is a case of needing to be in the right place at the right times.

“You can have some managers who are a bit up tight. But here it is relaxed and he makes sure he gets the best out of the boys.”