Leeds take on Middlesbrough on Saturday at the Riverside.
Marcelo Bielsa has been quoted by Leeds Live as saying that Jamie Shackleton could start for Leeds United against Middlesbrough in his natural position of midfield – and Leeds fans are delighted.
Shackleton, 19, has broken into the Leeds side this season under Bielsa, making his debut in the 4-1 win over Derby County back in August. He has since made 17 appearances for the Whites.
He is just one youngster that Bielsa has brought through, along with the likes of Jack Clarke, Leif Davis, Aapo Halme and Will Huffer. However, he has been used by the Argentine at right-back more than his natural midfield position.
Bielsa spoke ahead of Saturday’s against Middlesbrough on Saturday afternoon at the Riverside, and told the media that Shackleton could start – while also stating that Luke Ayling will remain on the right side of the defence.
“This will be the starting line-up: Casilla, Ayling, Jannson,, Cooper, Alioski, Phillips or Forshaw, Klich or Shackleton, Roofe, Harrison, Bamford,, Hernandez or Clarke,” Bielsa said
The Leeds boss went on to explain that midfielders Matuesz Klich, Adam Forshaw and Pablo Hernandez all have niggling injuries and although he did not rule out they could play, he did state that they would not be risked.
That could see Shackleton finally given a chance from the off in central midfield, and Leeds fans are delighted that the Thorp Arch academy product could start in the middle of the park.
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