Leeds United news: ‘Amazing’ Luke Ayling dressing room claim made after what expert’s seen
Alex McLeish has suggested Luke Ayling is an “inspiration” to the Leeds United dressing room after his performance against Wolves last week.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Scotland boss claimed the rest of the squad will be looking up to the 30-year-old and his “old head”.
Ayling netted the winner in last Friday’s (18 March) dramatic 3-2 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The Whites came from 2-0 down to secure a much-needed victory at Molineux.
McLeish insisted the Leeds squad will have been looking for some guidance and leadership after a poor first half.
He heralded Ayling for leading by example.
“McLeish told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “You look towards the inspiration of certain players in the team.
“Luke Ayling was amazing. For him to get into the box and show that passion, desire and hunger to get on the end of those rebounds, the shots that come off the post, off the goalkeeper.
“He’s prowling around there like a striker. I really thought there was a lot of inspiration from the old head there.
“Leeds were inspired. Every man, every guy was, from what I saw, to a man, magnificent.”
Ayling has played 23 times across all competitions for Leeds this season.
He missed nine league games between September and December due to a knee injury.
The right-back has since played every minute of the Whites’ league games.
He has regularly worn the captain’s armband in the absence of Liam Cooper.
Ayling has also filled in as a makeshift centre-back due to the spate of injury problems suffered by Leeds.
In other news, Football Insider can reveal a major update on long-standing Leeds United transfer hunt.