Andy Lonergan delighted by Bailey Peacock-Farrell’s run in Leeds side

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Andy Lonergan was kept out of the Leeds United side during the final weeks of the Championship season by Bailey Peacock-Farrell.

Andy Lonergan has told BBC Radio Leeds that he takes the same amount of pleasure out of seeing Bailey Peacock-Farrell play well for the Leeds first-team than he would if he was the one doing his best to stamp his authority on the number one spot at Elland Road.

Despite previously being regularly included in the discussion when Whites fans discussed the brightest academy starlets, Peacock-Farrell seemed to be somewhat off the first-team radar at the start of the campaign with Felix Wiedwald and Lonergan occupying the first two spots in the pecking order.

However, two poor spells from Wiedwald and a similarly disappointing stint from Lonergan in between saw Heckingbottom hand the youngster a chance in the first-team back in March with the 34-year-old injured when the head coach decided to drop the German.

And while he only managed to keep one clean sheet during his spell as number one, there is no question that Peacock-Farrell did a superb job between the sticks, arguably proving to be Leeds’ best-performing player during the final weeks of the season. But rather than be frustrated about the situation, Lonergan explained how delighted he is to see the 21-year-old thrive in the role.

“I really enjoy it. It might sound strange to people but I’ve not played much but I have enjoyed it. And even when we’re not getting the results, I still love being there,” he told BBC Radio Leeds when asked about his second Leeds spell.

“Bailey’s come through this season and I’m taking as much pleasure in him playing well as me playing well. I really get on with him, he’s a great lad and I’m delighted for him. If that means me not playing, that’s the way it is.”

While there would be concerns amongst the Elland Road faithful if no additions were made to the goalkeeping department this summer, it is undoubtedly the kind of fantastic attitude that suggests that keeping Lonergan around for next season may be a smart move.

He is clearly a massive fan of Peacock-Farrell and that support may go a long way in ensuring that the youngster realises his potential after an extremely encouraging run in the team this past season. But it would certainly be a gamble for Heckingbottom to consider going into next season with the Northern Ireland youth international as his first-choice and Lonergan as his understudy.