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News
Simon Grayson says Leeds man Adam Forshaw’s injury a ‘blessing in disguise’
Adam Forshaw suffered an injury during Leeds’ 1-0 play-off semi-final win over Derby County on Saturday afternoon but former
Forshaw, a £4.5million signing from Middlesbrough in January 2018 (), picked up a problem in the first half and was replaced by academy graduate Jamie Shackleton, who came on in the 24th minute of the match. Shackleton was arguably one of Leeds’ best players.
Shackleton was excellent on the ball, but showed determination and plenty of stamina to go from box to box. He almost produced an assist for Pablo Hernandez, only for the Spaniard to miscue his shot.
Grayson was asked how 19-year-old academy product Shackleton played at Pride Park, and he responded by applauding the Leeds youngster and claiming there was a silver lining in the injury to Forshaw.
“I think it [Forshaw’s injury] was a blessing in disguise for Leeds,” “Shackleton has got energy, he’s got pace, there was plenty of space out there today and he could exploit that.
“He broke forward so many times because if his desire and work rate. That’s no disrespect to Forshaw because he is a different type of player to Shackleton.”
TBR’s view
Grayson is spot on, Shackleton’s lung-busting stamina was a huge asset to Leeds as they kept on playing Marcelo Bielsa’s style of football for the entire 90 minutes – rather than dropping off towards the end.
His influence was crucial throughout the match both in attack and defence. Having a slower, more measured player in Forshaw starting would have given Derby more of a chance to control the midfield.
Shackleton now has to start in the second leg on Wednesday night.
