Giuseppe Bellusci is Leeds United's Roy Keane, Says Caretaker Manager Neil Redfearn

Leeds United caretaker manager Neil Redfearn has heaped praise on summer signing Giuseppe Bellusci and has compared the defender to Manchester United legend Roy Keane.

The 25-year-old arrived at Elland Road from Italian outfit Catania earlier this summer and was sent off on his debut as Leeds suffered a 4-1 defeat to Watford. However, the Italian centre-half has bounced back with a stellar performance and scored a cracker during his side's 3-1 victory over Bournemouth.

Redfearn was named as Leeds' caretaker manager for the third time after their owner Massimo Cellino sacked head Coach Dave Hockaday last month. The 49-year-old is unbeaten in three matches played so far, which includes two wins and a draw.

"Bellusci plays a little bit close to the edge, but there are a lot of top players that have been like that. Roy Keane was like that, not far off being a booking or a sending off. But those players make you winners," Redfearn explained.

"Giuseppe showed great technique to get the ball up and over the wall like he did to put it in the top corner [on his free-kick]. He is a tough cookie and he doesn't give up; he is a warrior and a battler."

Leeds came from behind as goals from Souleymane Doukara, Bellusci and Mirco Antenucci helped them pick three points against Bournemouth. The Championship club signed Antenucci and Tommaso Bianchi earlier in the transfer window and the duo joins Bellusci as the Italian contingent at Elland Road.

Redfearn believes the Italian players have already settled at the club and has expressed his delight after their impressive form in recent matches.

"I think Bournemouth showed for 30 minutes they are the best footballing team in the league, they murdered us in that period but we took confidence from only going in 1-0 down," Leeds' caretaker manager told Sky Sports.

"It was an outstanding goal from Giuseppe. I didn't see that coming, when he was lining up I thought it has got to go in or hit row Z otherwise they will break away. It was outstanding."

"The Italians are buying into what we are doing and it is a pleasure to watch and work with. Mirco is doing English lessons, he even understands a few swear words now, they love the game."

"I am enjoying being in charge and the club is in a far better position than when I took over. The lads are playing with confidence," Redfearn concluded.