Danny Mills says that Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa will be paying special attention to the performances of Illan Meslier in training, ahead of the goalkeeper's potential step up to the first-team.

Meslier has made just one appearance for Leeds' senior side - in a 1-0 defeat to Arsenal in the third round of the FA Cup - since joining on a season-long from Lorient in the summer transfer window.

That could soon be about to change however, with a decision on the racist abuse charge facing Leeds' first choice 'keeper Kiko Casilla expected imminently, meaning Bielsa may soon be forced into a change between the posts.

If that does happen, then Mills believes Meslier will be ready to step into the void left by the Spaniard, something he believes Bielsa will be taking steps to ensure is the case.

Asked whether the Leeds manager would be giving Meslier extra work ahead of a potential step up to the first-team, Mills told Football Insider: “Oh definitely. Bielsa’s already come out on record to say the kid’s ready.

“He’s ready to step up, simple as that. He will have been fully aware at some point this was looming and he knows full well if there is a ban, he plays."

Discussing how Meslier himself will have approached the situation, Mills continued: “He will be ready every single week, he will be working as hard as possible, just waiting for his opportunity to go: ‘I’m ready to play if you need me.’ That’s the role of a backup keeper.”

Promotion-chasing Leeds are next in action on Saturday afternoon when they host Reading at Elland Road, with Bielsa having publically given his backing to Meslier in his pre-match press conference ahead of that game.

The Verdict

This would certainly be the right thing for Bielsa and Leeds to do.

Given how close they could now be to that long-awaited promotion to the Premier League, Leeds need everyone to be ready to play their part if called upon, and cannot afford to lose out due to silly errors because those who do not play regularly are not match sharp.

Having only been used once this season, and with Casilla's charge bringing the situation into full focus, Meslier in particular is one Leeds player you feel has to be ready to step into the limelight at any given moment, so that added scrutiny in training ought to help him prepare for that.

The Frenchman's performance at Arsenal at the start of the year was encouraging, and Leeds will be hoping for more of the same from the youngster if he is forced into the side again in the next few weeks.