Northern Ireland boss Ian Baraclough admits he feared Stuart Dallas sustained a bad injury when the Leeds United star took a heavy knock against Wolves, via quotes by Leeds Live.
Joao Moutinho fouled Dallas during the Whites’ 3-2 win at Molineux last Friday with the Portuguese catching him high. The foul left Dallas stricken on the ground as play resumed around him, with United pushing forward and eventually drawing level through Rodrigo.
Moutinho appeared fortunate to avoid a caution, with Bruno Lage’s side already playing with 10-men following Raul Jimenez’s dismissal. Leeds, though, put the incident behind them with Dallas able to play on and snatch a stoppage-time winner through Luke Ayling.
The result stretched Leeds’ gap to the relegation places to seven points with Watford not playing. United are also four points better off than Everton in 17th, but have now played three more than the Toffees and once more than the Hornets with eight games remaining.
Dallas has started all 30 of Leeds’ Premier League fixtures so far this season from a variety of positions. He has also offered one goal and one assist, but his involvement was under a bit of doubt going forward following the collision with Moutinho against Wolves last week.
Northern Ireland boss admits injury ‘fear’ for Leeds’ ‘phenomenal’ Stuart Dallas
Northern Ireland boss Baraclough admits he feared Dallas had sustained a serious injury as Leeds beat Wolves on the road. But the Cookstown-born 30-year-old leaves his Green and White Army boss in awe with his ability to shake off issues and play on through the pain.
“[Dallas]’s phenomenal when he plays with injuries,” he said. “He’s not feeling anything from that fortunately, it was a nasty tackle. I was watching that game on TV and you do fear for what may be in the future.
“Stuart is made of teak or mahogany. It’s something you’ve really got to admire him for. He brushes himself down and makes sure he’s ready for the next game.”
Leeds will hope Dallas comes through the March international break unscathed ahead of the Premier League run-in. He may make his 61st international outing for Northern Ireland on Friday night when Baraclough’s side visit Luxembourg in a friendly.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
