Karl Darlow grasps Leeds United chance v Harrogate after ‘Perfection’
Karl Darlow deserves a run in the Leeds United side and a chance to convince Daniel Farke he is the goalkeeper to get him promoted again.
The goalkeeper started against neighbours Harrogate Town on 11 January, keeping a clean sheet and making two saves in the 1-0 victory to take his side into the next round of the FA Cup.
It was the 34-year-old’s first outing since August in a Leeds shirt, having seen his only football since then come on the international stage for Wales – keeping two clean sheets in three caps this season.
Illan Meslier’s high-profile string of errors have cost the Whites vital points in their bid to return to the Premier League at the second time of asking, while an experienced stopper at this level constantly warms the bench.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live during the victory at Elland Road (11 January, 19:23), Paul Robinson lauded Darlow for his key part in preventing an equaliser from Harrogate’s Josh March.
“It’s a long ball from Harrogate, straight down the middle and James Daly with a really good flick-on, Josh March tries to get on the end of it,” he said.
“Karl Darlow comes hurling out of his goal, times it to perfection and he had to.
“If [March] had got anything on it, he’d have been round the Leeds United goalkeeper and it would’ve been a penalty.”
Karl Darlow deserves Leeds United chance after Meslier errors
With the knowledge in mind that Farke was likely going to hand Darlow the jersey for the FA Cup contest on Saturday, many questioned the German over his allegiance to Meslier.
Farke fiercely backed his long-time number one, though will have had stern words privately with a player extremely experienced for 24 years of age and who will know the importance of his mistakes.
Some fans at Elland Road are keen to see Darlow given a longer chance – an international stopper who would have no issue stepping into a high-profile environment.
The veteran has already won the Championship title with Newcastle United in 2016-17, making 34 league appearances, featured in the Premier League for the Magpies, and was a regular for Nottingham Forest at this level earlier in his career.
A spell out of the firing line may also rekindle the motivation for Meslier and give him the push he needs, though Farke looks set in his ways for now.
In other Leeds news, Stephen Warnock blasts one Whites ace after failing to finish off a move against Harrogate.
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