Dawson: It’s hard for Hull

IT’S not lost on anyone at Elland Road that speedster Pablo Hernandez’s club sponsor is a gearbox specialist.

Leeds’ Spanish winger is certainly rapid. Never stuck in reverse. And he stepped up a gear when his club needed him most to motor past Bristol City.

Hernandez, 33, played a starring role in the first, scored by Kemar Roofe for his eighth goal of the season. He then produced a firm header to finish off 10-man Bristol City after the 55th-minute red carding of Josh Brownhill.

Hernandez is delighted to be part of the promotion push under the guidance of Marcelo Bielsa, who has switched his style of play.

The years are rolling by for Hernandez, but he is happy to learn new tricks.

Hernandez said: “I always try to learn every day from my manager and team-mates and I have learned a lot this year.

“I am 33 and have a lot of experience. But I’ve seen new methods and a new style. I’ve learned a great deal. And I’m very happy because I know with Marcelo I have improved this year.

“I have gone back to my initial position as a right-winger rather than in the middle or on the left. So I’m very happy with this.”

Hernandez was Leeds’ Player of the Year and players’ Player of the Year last season but would gladly swap those awards for promotion in May.

Hernandez added: “It was an honour to win awards from the people of Leeds and my team-mates. Obviously, though, I would change these trophies to go to the Premier League.”

Bielsa’s opposite number, Lee Johnson, left Yorkshire in a huff with Brownhill’s dismissal the turning point, in his eyes.

Johnson said: “I think they were lucky. They got away with it. We didn’t work the goalkeeper enough but, yes, they have a good manager and the bulk of good players.

“But we have had some poor referees in the last few weeks.”