Luke Ayling is set to return to Elland Road to face Daniel Farke’s side for the first time since leaving Leeds United initially on loan in January on Wednesday, and the Leeds boss has commented.
Ayling joined Leeds in the summer of 2016 from Bristol City and after eight years on the books at Leeds and almost 300 appearances, he left in July for Michael Carrick’s Middlesbrough after a half-season loan.
The flying right-back played 19 times for Boro after his move in January and laid on a whopping eight assists for Carrick’s men from right-back. He has since joined Boro on a free, penning a two-year deal.
On Wednesday night, Ayling returns to Elland Road for the first time as a player after being barred from facing Leeds while on loan at Boro. He is likely to feature as Leeds and Boro do battle in the Carabao Cup.
Daniel Farke comments on Luke Ayling ahead of Leeds return
While there were boos for Brenden Aaronson when he came on against Portsmouth on the weekend, there is no doubt that when Ayling’s name is read out aloud at Elland Road tomorrow, it will be cheered.
Asked about Ayling in his pre-Middlesbrough press conference on Tuesday afternoon as per the club’s YouTube, Farke spoke highly of ayling – describing his character as one of the best he has worked with.
“What Luke did for this club in the last decade is unbelievable. I have spoken so often about Luke, what I think about him and how much I would loved to have him three, four, five years earlier,” Farke said.
“Oustanding character, one of the best I’ve worked with. He’s desperate for us to win, but if he plays he will give his best because he is a brilliant professional. On a personal level, it will be great to see him.”
Ayling return emotional but Leeds must stop him as well
While it will be wonderful to see Ayling gracing the Elland Road pitch again, and certainly it will be emotional for him too, Leeds must also be wary of the quality and attacking threat he poses for Boro.
His eight assists in 19 Championship games last season had many Leeds fans questioning why he had been let go, and why Farke had not given him more game time during the first half of the campaign.
Whoever starts on the left flank, whether that is Junior Firpo or Sam Byram at left-back and either Willy Gnonto or Aaronson in attack, must be careful not to let Ayling see too much of the ball tomorrow.
