Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford has affirmed that he was always confident he would perform in the Premier League following his hat-trick against Aston Villa.

The 27-year-old notched up all three of Leeds' goals in a 3-0 victory at early high-flyers Villa, which took his tally up to six for the season in the top flight.

Bamford, who also has two assists to his name after six matches, has claimed that he was intent on proving the doubters wrong and, more importantly, proving to himself that he could cut it at the pinnacle of English football.

Speaking to Sky Sports News, the Englishman said: "Of course I had a point to prove. I played a bit-part, minutes here and there, when I played in the Premier League before and never really got a proper chance at it.

"There was probably a lot of people that doubted me but, more than anything, proving it to myself [was important]. I always knew I could play at this level, so it was more for me to prove to myself that I can do well here.

"If I'd have scored three tap-ins [against Villa], I'd have been just as happy! The second two were nice goals, with the third especially a nice team goal, it started from the goalkeeper and we built up play very well.

"It was a good job I capped off that attack with a goal, it made it more special, and finishing off a hat-trick with it was nice.

"I've probably been given a bit of stick in the past for having a relaxed body language but sometimes as a striker it helps having that calmness when you're in those situations."

Marcelo Bielsa's side next face a visit from Europa League contenders Leicester City on Monday evening at Elland Road.