By Russell Edge

23rd Apr, 2018 | 12:11pm

Leeds must ignore fan fume and stick by opinion-dividing senior star ahead of crunch summer

COMMENT

If you were to count the number of Leeds United stars who can count themselves proud this season, you would be able to do so on one hand.

There have been very few bright moments during the Whites’ campaign and the senior stars have hardly inspired confidence going forward.

The likes of Pablo Hernandez and Bailey Peacock-Farrell are the only success stories to come out of Elland Road, although some might argue that summer signing Samu Saiz is also deserving of a place on that list.

The Spaniard has been one of the most exciting talents to watch but his performances have not always lived up to the hype, and he was the centre of attention for all the wrong reasons against Newport County, sent off for spitting on an opponent.

Now his attitude problems have reared their ugly head once again, as he was caught kicking a water bottle in frustration after being substituted against Barnsley on Saturday.

Whether passion or petulance, the act did not go down well with the Elland Road faithful, as they launched both barrels at the 27-year-old and insisted he should be leaving in summer.

The fans might not be happy, but there can be little argument that on his day, Saiz is a game changing star who is up there with the best in the Championship – and to not persist with him would see the club shoot themselves in the foot.

Whether he stays or goes, if he is fit and ready he should be playing, for it will have an impact on his future either way.

Axing him from the side will give potential suitors an excuse to demand a lower price tag, basing it on the fact he might be a bad apple and it is a risk to sign him.

On the other hand, there is no reason to further upset a senior star who might well stay at Elland Road, seeing as though he is one of the brightest talents at the club.

The fans might be fuming, but the only opinion that matters is Paul Heckingbottom’s – and as boss he should keep faith in his opinion dividing star.

In other Leeds United news, the club have been handed a silver lining after what appeared to be an initial bombshell.

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