Andy Couzens has praised the performances of Stuart Dallas so far this season, backing the versatile Leeds United man to hold down a place in the side should he keep impressing in Luke Ayling’s absence.

Leeds have started the season with two wins and a draw from the opening three fixtures of the season, with Dallas deputising at right-back with Ayling missing throughout pre-season.

And, his impressive start to the season sees him continue the form he showed in last season’s play-offs, when Dallas scored twice in Leeds’ crushing second-leg defeat to Derby County.

For Couzens, he believes that nobody in Bielsa’s squad is guaranteed a starting berth and if Dallas continues to shine, he will retain his place.

“Dallas is doing enough at the minute and nobody is guaranteed a first-team spot - if you’re doing it, you stay in the team,” Couzens told Football League World in an exclusive interview with Chief Editor, Sam Rourke.

“Bielsa does like to be very loyal to the players he has in the team. Dallas was our best player against Derby (in last season’s play-off). He was phenomenal up and down that left-hand side.  

“He’s very versatile, he’s a great squad player and a great lad within the first-team dressing room.

“He’s in there to keep his spot. He’s a Northern Irish international and he’s doing very well at the minute.  

“Dallas could maybe even stay there long-term this season if Bielsa’s got a full squad, why would you change it if they keep winning?”

Dallas’ versatility could well be on show tonight, when the Northern Ireland international might be forced to switch to left-back with Barry Douglas and Ezgjan Alioski doubtful for the meeting with Brentford.

That move for the 28-year-old would allow Jamie Shackleton to come in at right-back.