How Ilia Gruev shows his class off the pitch as Leeds United contract call looms

Leeds United midfielder Ilia Gruev is hoping to get some minutes in the tank with Bulgaria during the break.

The 26-year-old has now recovered from his meniscus injury that had kept him sidelined since April.

He played his first minutes for Leeds' Under-21s against Middlesbrough on 13 September.

Gruev was then an unused substitute against Crystal Palace last time out, as he returned to a Whites matchday squad for the first time this season.

Bulgaria boss Aleksandar Dimitrov has deemed him fit enough to be included in his UEFA Nations League squad for this international break.

And whilst others may simply be focused on the games, Gruev has shown the kind of person he is upon his return home.

What community work has Ilia Gruev been doing in Bulgaria?

With his Leeds contract set to expire next summer, Gruev needs to take full advantage of every opportunity to impress on the pitch as possible.

Whether that's for club or country, Whites chiefs will be watching him with increased scrutiny over the coming months as they prepare to make a decision.

But, it can often be forgotten or overlooked at just how important a player's performance and character off the pitch is to winning a deal with a club.

Daniel Farke will want as many top personalities in his Elland Road dressing room as possible, and Gruev is certainly one of those.

Posting to his Instagram on Tuesday, Gruev is pictured having spent time with young players from FC Sofia Sport ahead of Bulgaria's Nations League games.

He's seen signing autographs, posing for pictures and giving a talk on stage to the rows of adoring young players.

"Such a special day meeting the young talents at FC Sofia Sport," Gruev wrote.

"Always a privilege to give something back to the next generation and share a bit of my journey. Keep dreaming big and loving the game!"

A class act he is indeed, but what are the dates Leeds fans need to have in their diaries if they wish to follow his progress during the international break?

Who are Bulgaria playing in these Nations League group games?

These next few weeks are going to be vital for Gruev, particularly when it comes to his Leeds prospects.

With plenty of stern competition in Daniel Farke's engine room, he needs to return back to Elland Road next month having banked some big performances.

At 26 and in the prime of his career, it's perhaps unlikely he'll be willing to sign a new deal at Leeds if he's not going to be a starting player.

One way to prove he should be that is through his international commitments, of which he's got three over the coming weeks.

Bulgaria take on Luxembourg this Saturday in a 5pm kick-off UK time, before clashing with Estonia on 29 September and Iceland on 3 October.

Those other two games kick-off at 7:45pm and 5pm UK time, so Leeds fans shouldn't have too many issues following Gruev's progress.