Jamie Shackleton has paid tribute to Leeds' fanbase after their agonising play-off semi final defeat to Derby County on Wednesday night.

With Leeds leading 1-0 from the first leg at Pride Park on Saturday, The Rams produced a stunning comeback after also falling a goal behind in the reverse leg at Elland Road, winning 4-2 on the night and 4-3 on aggregate to secure their place in the play-off final with Aston Villa a week on Monday, ending Leeds' hopes of a return to the Premier League for another season.

The 19-year-old Shackleton, who came off the bench to replace the injured Adam Forshaw less than half and hour into the first leg before playing the full 90 minutes at Elland Road, was one of Leeds more consistently impressive figures over the course of the two legs.

Taking to Instagram after the disappointment of the second leg defeat, Shackleton admitted that the loss will hurt for some time, while promising to come back stronger and harder in a bid to get Leeds back to the Premier League. The midfielder also thanked the Elland Road crowd for their support, describing them as "truly the best fans in the world".

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The verdict

Leeds fans will no doubt be hurting following the events of last night, but this will provide them some small consolation.

To see such a young member of the squad making such a strong statement will surely go down well in and around the club as they look to pick the side up in a bid to go again next season.

Given his performances this year, you feel Shackleton will have some part to play in that.