Sean Longstaff is congratulated by teammates after his winning penalty kick(Image: Nigel French/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)

Sean Longstaff says he understands why he is struggling to get into Leeds United’s starting XI following his return from injury last month.

The summer signing began his first match since November in Sunday’s FA Cup fourth round win over Birmingham City, in which he played 120 minutes and tucked home the winning kick during the penalty shoot-out.

Longstaff had been sidelined for more than a month with a calf injury before making his return to the matchday squad against Manchester United in early January, although his return to the pitch did not come until the FA Cup third round win over Derby County on January 11.

“I have been chomping at the bit really to get back in but I'm having to be patient because we are playing well at the minute and picking up good results,” he told club media after his spot-kick conversion on Sunday. “So all I can do is try and work as hard as I can every day and wait for an opportunity.

“Not just me, there are a...