Jermaine Beckford has been speaking on The Official Leeds United Podcast, and he’s been left ‘buzzing’ by what he’s seen in the Under-23 setup.
What’s the story?
Well, Beckford was delighted to see Luke Ayling make his return to action for Leeds, by getting some minutes under his belt with the Under-23 side.
The 30-year-old played 45 minutes against Manchester City’s Under-23 side on Monday evening, and came through unscathed.
Speaking on the podcast, Beckford said: “Turning out for the Under-23s, I am buzzing that I saw Luke Ayling play 45 minutes. He came through it relatively unscathed as well which is always a good sign.”
Patrick Bamford also featured in the game, playing all 90 minutes as he steps up his own recovery.
Both Ayling and Bamford are huge players for Leeds, and Marcelo Bielsa surely can’t wait to have them back available for selection.
Luke Ayling return is good for Stuart Dallas at Leeds
While Ayling has been absent, Stuart Dallas has been forced to fill in at right-back.
The 30-year-old has made five appearances at right-back this season, and while he’s doing a fine job, it will be good to have him back in midfield.
Dallas was one of the best players in the Premier League last season while playing in midfield – he took the division by storm.
The 56-cap Northern Ireland international scored eight Premier League goals, and also provided two assists, as Leeds finished ninth.
In truth, his time away from midfield this season has probably been a large factor behind the club’s poor start to the campaign.
With Ayling and Bamford back, along with Dallas returning to midfield, things should start to improve for Bielsa and Leeds.
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