Stuart Dallas has said that signing a new contract with Leeds United was 'massive' for both him and his family.

The 28-year-old put pen-to-paper on a new four-year deal in September which extends his stay in West Yorkshire until the summer of 2023.

The Northern Ireland international has been a key player for Marcelo Bielsa's side this term after being a virtual ever-present in the Championship this term.

Those appearances have seen the winger re-branded as a utility man, after taking to the field in a number of positions such as on the wing, right back, left back and central midfield.

Dallas was entering the final year of his contract at Elland Road when a conversation with his daughter sparked him into action in an attempt to get his long-term future at the club resolved.

Speaking to the Leeds United official website, he said: “For me it was massive, especially as I’ve said coming back for pre-season I was going into the final year of my contract.

"I didn’t think too much about it, but I know what I am capable of if I got a run of games and I wanted to do that.

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"I wanted to stay here and I’m delighted the club and manager have shown faith in me to reward me with a new deal.

"It takes me up to a good age and I was really pleased to get it done and my family were really happy as well.

"My little girl was asking if she would have to move schools, so that is when it really started to hit home that I needed to get everything sorted.”

The verdict

Stuart Dallas is clearly a key player in Marcelo Bielsa's plans.

The 28-year-old may not be the most technically-gifted player in the Leeds United squad, but his work ethic and desire to help the team have been crucial in the success of the team this term.

If Leeds are to secure promotion to the Premier League they'll need a player like Dallas to help them grind out results at the business end of the season.