Alan Smith believes an FA Cup run could act as an important 'confidence booster' as Leeds United try to negotiate their way out of another relegation battle in the Premier League.
The Whites rescued their place in the FA Cup by coming from two goals behind to draw 2-2 against Cardiff City in the Welsh capital earlier this month.
Sonny Perkins scored a dramatic 93rd minute equaliser to force a replay, and the two sides will meet again at Elland Road on Wednesday, as Leeds aim to progress beyond the third round for the first time since 2017.
Former Leeds forward Smith expects Leeds to secure their passage into the fourth round, and says a strong run in the competition could increase belief at Elland Road.
READ MORE: Full Leeds United squad revealed for Cardiff City FA Cup fourth round replay as attack bolstered
"I think Leeds will be comfortable," Smith told NewCasinoUK. "They managed a comeback last week against Cardiff and obviously young Perkins scoring was great.
"They gave themselves an uphill climb but I think seeing that camaraderie and wanting to come back. It would have been easy to say forget about the cup and focus on the league, but there was none of that – I think it showed what the FA Cup means and the beauty of it.
"Hopefully the manager can play a few players – give Bamford some more playing time. It’s a case of trying to integrate the people that might not have played whilst still getting the right results.
"The league is the most important, but having a good FA Cup run and winning games can fill you with confidence as well."
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