{{primary_category}}
{{/primary_category}} 
Exclusive: Paul Robinson hails return of 'outstanding' Leeds ace, likely to start v Birmingham
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Leeds United…
Paul Robinson has said that Leeds have had a big boost with the return of Gjanni Alioski to the left-back position and dubbed the 27-year-old “outstanding”.
Alioski only started one game in eight after suffering an injury at the start of November, but with Pablo Hernandez out with a hamstring issue, the left-back has been in the XI for the last two games.
He is likely to start at left-back again today as Leeds travel to St Andrews to take on Birmingham in a 3pm kick-off.
Talking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, Robinson said, “When you have characters out, when you have big characters out, it’s always a big miss in the dressing room.
“I think in the team, the way that he’s turned into a left-back, I think he’s been outstanding with what he’s done.
Subscribe to Football Insider TV now
“The way that he’s played, the way he’s adapted himself, the way that he’s applied himself.
“He has been a regular so when a player like that is out for a while it’s always going to be a big boost when he comes back.”
Alioski played the 17/18 season and the first-half of the 18/19 season under Marcelo Bielsa in midfield.
Since then he’s been preferred at the left-back position, and that’s where he’s likely to play today with Stuart Dallas in midfield.
Tyler Roberts and Jamie Shackleton are both fit and could be in line to feature in the game after a spell on the sidelines.
Despite not winning in the last three games, Leeds are still second in the Championship, eight points ahead of Brentford in third.
In other Leeds United news… ‘Massive’ – BBC pundit delivers exciting QSI update as Leeds takeover talks progress