Former striker Brian Deane has claimed that Leeds United must start to 'show some character' in their upcoming Championship fixtures.
Despite having once held an 11-point advantage over third place, Leeds now only sit above Fulham on goal difference after suffering four defeats in five games.
On Tuesday night, the Yorkshire giants take on promotion rivals Brentford at Griffin Park, and Deane has acknowledged that the squad cannot continue to under-perform if they wish to earn promotion to the Premier League.
Deane told Sky Sports News: "You think about the lead they had in terms of points and they've been clawed back in now where they're almost level with Brentford, so psychologically that's going to be a massive blow.
"At the same time the players have to realise that the fans are behind them and it's time for some of the players to show some character now.
"Playing for Leeds is not for the faint-hearted. The fans want to be engaged, they want to be part of the experience all the time and it takes a certain type of character to rise to that occasion."
During two spells at Elland Road, Deane scored 38 goals from 169 league appearances.
