Former Leeds United star Noel Whelan is backing Chris Wood to shine at Elland Road.

Leeds managed a huge coup this summer by luring Chris Wood from Leicester City and a lot is expected of the 23-year old.

Whelan has also been left delighted with the capture of Wood and is backing the New Zealand international to grab a bagful of goals for the Whites this season.

Writing in his column for the Yorkshire Evening Post, Whelan explained: "It has been a positive summer for Leeds United and the signing of Chris Wood has been the headline one for me. It seems like the club want to finally move forward and give it a good go this season. That is all Leeds fans want to see – that we are spending a bit of money and giving it a bit of a go and getting players who can be here for three or four years.

"Looking at Wood, I have seen him play a few times. He's a strong boy who can hold the ball up and run in behind and he's good in the air too. Ahead of the summer, I thought we'd need to spend money on a few areas if we are to make an impact and one area was certainly up front.

"If you are going to be challenging in this division, you have got to spend good money and we have with Wood. There is pressure on him, but it's good pressure and you need people with the right attitude to step up and relish it.

"Because the rewards at the end of the season if you deal with it properly and are consistent enough are huge for everybody. Hopefully, Wood will be the centre-forward who bangs in 20 goals for us. That's what we need."