Graham Smyth moots Leeds United recall for Luke Ayling after Jamie Shackleton ‘struggled’ v Southampton
Luke Ayling could start in place of Jamie Shackleton in the clash between Leeds United and QPR, according to the Yorkshire Evening Post’s Graham Smyth.
The right-back watched on from the bench as the Whites lost 3-1 to Southampton on Saturday (30 September), with Shackleton playing the entire match.
Up next for the West Yorkshire outfit is a Championship meeting with QPR at Elland Road on Wednesday (4 October).
Discussing Ayling, Smyth wrote for the Yorkshire Evening Post (2 October): “Having been rested against Southampton after a busy period the veteran defender could come back in against Queens Park Rangers and take the place of Jamie Shackleton, who struggled at St Mary’s.”
Normal service resumed?
Shackleton has impressed in various positions this season, with Leeds manager Daniel Farke undoubtedly grateful to have such a versatile player among his ranks.
But it seems that the more natural right-back Ayling will come into the starting XI against QPR, with the veteran defender set to be well-rested after missing out against the Saints.
Balancing his squad will be a tricky task for Farke in the coming months, in what is going to be a lengthy campaign for the Whites, potentially made even longer should they make it into the play-offs.
The man in the dugout is, however, very experienced in the competition, having been there and done it all before with Norwich City.
It means that players can expect to constantly be in and out of the starting XI, with a talented squad needed to compete successfully in the Championship.
Fatigue and injuries will take their toll on the Whites this season, with the club having already been heavily impacted by the latter issue.
In other Leeds United news, a journalist has slammed one Whites player who wasn’t “involved enough” in the loss to Southampton.