Paul Robinson believes that Jean-Kevin Augustin may have blown his chance to establish himself as a Leeds United favourite.
The striker arrived on loan from RB Leipzig in the January transfer window and was tipped to make a big impression at Elland Road.
However the 23-year-old has been limited to just three cameo appearances since moving to West Yorkshire.
According to The Athletic, Leeds United agreed to a mandatory purchase of the player should they secure promotion to the top flight - something which appears to be more than likely.
That move to bring Augustin to the club permanently will cost around £18million, but according to Robinson, the club will surely have doubts over whether he has earned a long-term deal with the club.
Speaking to MOT Leeds News, Robinson said: “Leeds fans wanted to see a match fit Augustin ready to play. Bamford has had to carry a lot of weight on his shoulders this year.
“You wanted to see Augustin give himself and Leeds fans the best opportunity so fans can see the best of him.
“He clearly was not match fit when he first came in and he has had a couple of loans that have been cancelled but he has got top pedigree.
“But he needs curtailing to fulfil that pedigree. Players have been able to keep themselves fully fit during lockdown. Everyone can go running or biking. Match fitness is being on the grass and replicating a game. A hamstring injury is running, not kicking a football and it is a recurrence of an injury. The minimum you would expect is the running.
“There has to be real doubt now over whether he will sign permanently. This was his opportunity. Leeds needed a player of that ilk and that calibre but he certainly was not ready when he came.
“On his substitute appearances, he looked nowhere near fit enough or sharp enough. If he is not fit between now and the end of the season it could be his opportunity gone.”
GIVEMESPORT'S Phil Spencer says...
Jean-Kevin Augustin has been a huge disappointment for Leeds United.
Three appearances for a player who was so highly-rated is hugely disappointing, particularly given the role that he could have played.
Augustin just hasn't been fit and that's been a big problem.
If the Whites had their way, they would send the striker back to RB Leipzig this summer and never look back, but with a mandatory purchase all-but agreed it seems that this could be tricky.
What the future holds for the 23-year-old remains to be seen, but he faces a long road back if he's to prove himself at Elland Road.