Beckford, a huge disappointment during his month-long loan at Brunton Park, still has much to prove ... so says Abbott.
Greg Abbott: “He really struggled with us, his confidence was really low and he needed an arm around him.
“It was me who instigated the move and we got him here based on his potential and his ability to score goals out of nothing.
“He was really short of confidence, and I felt at the time he needed a year at League One level but, when it is a loan player, it is difficult to have that time.
“He went to Scunthorpe and proved himself and found some self-belief. Now the only thoughts he takes on to the pitch are positive ones.
“What has happened to him is a message to everyone – players, managers, supporters and directors – that you need to have patience and confidence in what you’re doing.
“Once you get confidence into players, they show you what they are capable of.
“I was there the day he signed for Leeds and I kept seeing glimpses of quality but also play that he needed to improve.
"I still think that’s the case. He has great pace and he is a great finisher.
"When he gets in front of goal he isn’t frightened to strike a goal from any angle.
"But all he has done at the moment is prove he can do it at League One level and now he needs to prove he can do it in the Championship.
“He has conquered League One with flying colours and if he improves his all-round game he can be a top player.
“People will say he is not the finished article, but he is still a novice in terms of the time he has been in professional football.”