Leeds United: BBC Sport pundit reacts instantly as ‘frustrated’ Luke Ayling set for Middlesbrough in January transfer window
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist as each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Leeds United …
Luke Ayling will have been frustrated by his lack of game time at Leeds United and has earned the right to decide on his next move, according to Paul Robinson.
The 32-year-old defender is on the brink of a move to Middlesbrough, with a medical to be conducted on Wednesday morning ahead of a loan [The Athletic, 10 January], in what will effectively end his Elland Road career after seven and a half years as his Elland Road contract expires in the summer.
BBC Sport pundit Robinson believes the right-back has been “excellent” for the club and is still a “quality” asset both on the pitch and off it, but having fallen behind the likes of Archie Gray for minutes this season he will “look after himself” at this stage of his career because a return to the line-up was unlikely.
Ayling’s last game came as a late substitute in the FA Cup on Sunday (7 January) vs Peterborough United, his 268th in a Leeds United shirt, after which he looked to be saying goodbye to the fans in the stands [Leeds Live, 8 January].
Speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News Robinson said: “I think Luke will be frustrated by the lack of game time that he’s getting, with Archie Gray playing at right-back and playing so well this season.
“Luke’s obviously had a stop-start season with his injuries and not managed to nail down a regular place.
“But he’s a valuable member of the squad. His experience, his commitment to the club, the time he’s been there, I’m sure the manager would love to keep him.
“Not just because of his quality on the pitch but also his experience in the dressing room around these younger players.
“But the way that Archie Gray’s played at right-back Luke will find it difficult to get back into the side.
“He’s at an age, and a stage of his career, where he’ll start to look after himself as in the end of his career and whether he wants to play or wants to move.
“I think it’s down to the player’s drive and ambition as to what he wants. He’s still a quality player, we know that, in the Championship and the Premier League even.
“Him and Liam Cooper have been excellent for Leeds off the field and in the dressing room and I think they’ll still feel that they can do a job.
“But I think the time that he’s been at the club and the respect that he’s got it’s only right that he decides where his next move is.”
In other Leeds United news, Phil Hay reports that it is no secret that the Whites have a player in their squad who wants out.