Leeds hero Stuart Dallas receives message from teammate at international camp
Former Leeds United goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell sent a message to present-day Whites’ hero Stuart Dallas, as reported by the Belfast Telegraph.
He was speaking on the eve of Northern Ireland’s crucial Euro 2024 qualifier, away to Denmark in Copenhagen, with Dallas representing a huge loss for Michael O’Neill’s side.
He last featured for Leeds in April 2022, against Manchester City when he suffered a broken femur which has ruled him out of action ever since.
Peacock-Farrell is expected to feature for Northern Ireland on Friday evening, but in the build-up to the Group H opener, he reflected on the stature of Dallas, for club and country, and how much his presence is missed on the pitch.
“It’s horrible. I was watching the game when he got injured and I texted him straight after,” he said.
“It’s not nice because he’s having a long time out with it and it’s a real shame.
“I love having him here with Northern Ireland. He is such a big part of this team and the Leeds team. To not see him play isn’t good and I’d love to see him playing as soon as possible.”
Experience
The utility man will be a key figure for Leeds in the Championship next season, as soon as he is back in contention after a lengthy injury layoff.
He will be in and around the squad for pre-season training, but given the extent of his setback, time and patience will be afforded to the 32-year-old.
He has a vast array of experience, at Elland Road as well as in the journey between the Championship and the Premier League which will be a valuable asset within the dressing room next season.
Whilst the new manager is yet to be unveiled, he should look to Dallas as an important source of leadership and continuity ahead of the next chapter at the club.
Having signed for Leeds United from Brentford back in 2015, he is now approaching his ninth campaign at the club which is no mean feat in the modern game.
In other Leeds news, a BBC pundit has been left stunned as Phil Hay has dropped a fresh update on who the Whites are considering bringing in as manager this summer.