Lewie Coyle comments on competing with Leeds United duo

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Leeds United are going strong in the Championship at the moment.

Leeds United defender Lewie Coyle has admitted to BBC Radio Leeds that it is tough for him at the moment to establish himself in the first team.

Coyle has admitted that competing for the right-back spot with Luke Ayling and Gaetano Berardi is not easy.

Ayling, who is 25 years of age and joined Leeds from Championship rivals Bristol City in the summer transfer window, has established himself as the first-choice right-back in Garry Monk’s team.

The former Arsenal prospect is expected to compete with 28-year-old Italian defender Gaetano Berardi, who can also operate as a left-back.

Coyle, who is on the sidelines at the moment with a knee injury, has admitted that it is tough to cement his place in the Leeds starting lineup.

The 21-year-old, who can also play as a right-winger, though, has made it clear that competing for a place brings the best out of him.

“Luke has done very well when he has come in,” Coyle told BBC Radio Leeds when asked about competing with Ayling and Berardi for the right-back spot.

“Can’t fault him from day one, and obviously Bera has had some troubles with injury, but he has worked hard and got himself back.

“It’s a tough spot to try and cement and make it your own, but that sorts of brings the best out of me and I feel it will do in the future.”

Leeds did not start the season strongly, but the Whites are now genuine contenders for the playoffs.

The West Yorkshire outfit are sixth in the Championship table at the moment with 26 points from 16 matches.