Whelan issues ‘massive’ Leeds claim after ‘huge’ Jamie Shackleton blow
Leeds United are set for a “massive” injury boost with Jamie Shackleton in line for an imminent return to training, according to Noel Whelan.
The former Leeds striker and club ambassador, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 22-year-old has been a “huge miss” for the Whites in recent weeks.
Speaking at his press conference last week (7 April), Jesse Marsch confirmed Shackleton is closing in on a return to training after suffering a knock last month.
The versatile midfielder has missed Leeds’ last three games and has not featured since February.
Whelan insisted the Whites have sorely missed the homegrown talent’s ability to cover numerous positions during his absence.
Asked how big a miss Shackleton has been for Leeds, Whelan told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “A huge miss.
“You mention the word versatility, I think he can play about three or four different roles in that team. Very much like Stuart Dallas.
“He definitely gives you options and somebody that is very valuable on the bench. He’s somebody that can play those different roles and can adapt t it very quickly. A right-sided midfield player, right wing-back, central midfield, the left side too.
“He gives you those massive options where you don’t need to change anything around too drastically. If there are any injuries to a certain player, you know you’ve got someone that you can trust.
“He gives you 100 per cent and he’s got that tenacity about his game. Right now, after the couple of seasons that he’s had, he’s one of the more experienced young players that we have.
“He can come into the team. You can throw him in there and know that he can go do a job.”
In other news, Leeds United transfer strategy hailed after £26million reveal.