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Lukas Nmecha puts success down to training-ground graft and team spirit

Lukas Nmecha says hard work at Thorp Arch and an excellent team spirit are allowing him to make important contributions for Leeds United this season.

Despite only starting 10 matches in all competitions this season, centre-forward Nmecha has seven goals – enough to make him the top-scorer at Sunderland, Everton or Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Two secured 1-0 Premier League wins and his strike at Birmingham City on Sunday was one of two which came in draws.

Apart from a four-game spell in November/December, Nmecha's starts have come in ones and twos but delivering in short bursts is an important skill in an era of big squads and plentiful substitutes.

"We train really hard," he commented. "Even the players who don't play as much, we're training six, seven times a week.

"Sometimes we don't get a break and we're just working away.

"I think the atmosphere in the team is really good and whenever people are called upon, like you saw on Sunday, they give it their best.

"I'm just doing my best. Whenever I'm called upon I'm doing my bit and I think I've shown that when I do get a chance I normally put it away.

"I'm just pleased.

"I'm obviously still growing physically I would say. I'm still not 100 per cent but I'm slowly getting there."

It is the third round running Leeds have drawn Championship opposition but the first time at home with the draw starting to open up.

Newcastle United hosting Manchester City guarantees at least two Champions League sides will miss the quarter-finals with Tottenham Hotspur already out.

Liverpool face a difficult trip to Hollywood-owned Wrexham, whilst quadruple-chasing Arsenal are at Mansfield Town, who knocked Sheffield United out of the third round.

Ties are due to be played on the first weekend in March.

DRAW: Fulham v Southampton; Port Vale or Bristol City v Sunderland; Newcastle United v Manchester City; Leeds United v Norwich City; Mansfield Town v Arsenal; Wolverhampton Wanderers v Liverpool; Wrexham v Chelsea; West Ham United v Macclesfield or Brentford.

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