Former Leeds United favourite Lucas Radebe believes 'this is the year' his old club will return to the Premier League.
Marcelo Bielsa's men resume their promotion bid on Sunday against Cardiff, currently sitting seven points ahead of third-placed Fulham and a point clear of West Brom in second.
Leeds have nine games to get the job done and after heartbreak aplenty, this is the year, according to Radebe, who made more than 200 league appearances for the club over an 11-year spell.
"I think this is the year when Leeds United has to come up," he told Sky Sports' Football Show.
"They have shown throughout the season that they want to be up there. They have been unreal.
"How they have changed the club, not the team but the club as a whole. The offices the stadium and they bring that winning mentality to the players with Bielsa coming in.
"I think it is absolutely promising and I think this is the year for them to come back to where they belong, in the Premier League. I think the Premier League misses Leeds United."
Radebe also discussed how well he believes his old club could do in the Premier League if they were promoted.
"I spoke to Liam Cooper a few weeks ago and to be honest, his hunger goes through the whole squad to get to the next level," added the South African.
"I seen them play against Arsenal and they competed very well.
"They made Arsenal look like a Championship team, which for me was very impressive.
"And the expectation for the club to compete at that level does not only lie with the players but it lies with the whole club and with that encouragement, that inspiration, I think they will be able to challenge for prizes in the Premier League.
"Hopefully, we will see them competing in the Champions League in the near future, that's where the club gets the energy.
"Once the club does well, the city buzzes. I know how the Leeds fans are passionate about the club and we need that back, and surely this is the year for that to happen."
