Illan Meslier axe: Farke 'does the right thing' with 'dodgy' Leeds goalkeeper

Leeds United have been right to continue with Illan Meslier as their number-one goalkeeper despite a series of errors this season, according to Ian Darke.

The TV commentator has backed the Frenchman for becoming the undisputed first-choice stopper throughout the vast majority of his time at Elland Road.

Pressure has built on Daniel Farke to consider replacing Meslier with experienced deputy Karl Darlow, but the manager has continued to persist with his tried and trusted option.

"I think to persist with Meslier is the right thing to do. Over the five years or so he has been there, he has proven himself to be the number one," Darke exclusively told MOT Leeds News.

"All goalkeepers have that dodgy period, but they obviously have the view he's better than Karl Darlow.

"Unless he looks like he's totally lost his confidence, I don't think anything will change there anytime soon."

Illan Meslier for Leeds United this season

Meslier has fronted up to an unprecedented level of criticism so far this season, with a series of mistakes leaving Leeds United fans frustrated.

The crucial last-gasp howler at Sunderland in October became very high-profile, as did the more recent error at Hull City earlier this month which cost the 'keeper's side a combined four points.

Meslier can be proud of a record since the Hull clash which shows three successive clean sheets in the Championship, as Leeds top the pile after 29 games with 60 points earned, with Darlow featuring and keeping a clean sheet of his own in the FA Cup win over Harrogate Town (11 January).

In other Leeds news, Ally McCoist calls out Leeds' potential in the Premier League next season.

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