It's not been the season that Leeds United midfielder Jamie Shackleton would have originally had in mind, as he continues to struggle for consistent minutes in Marcelo Bielsa's side. 

The youngster made 21 appearances in the second-half of last year's league campaign, as the Whites narrowly missed out on promotion into the Premier League.

But the 20-year-old has made just 14 league appearances this term, and it seems as though he's going to struggle to force his way into the starting XI anytime soon, with the performances from the likes of Mateusz Klich and Kalvin Phillips catching the eye for all the right reasons.

Speaking in a recent interview with Football Insider, former Leeds man Noel Whelan claimed that Shackleton could be tempted by a loan move away from Elland Road next season, as he looks to find regular game time to further his development.

"I think pre-season will probably dictate what happens for Jamie. The league we’re going to be in will dictate decision making for both club and player.

"He might want to go and play 46 games in a Championship club rather than being a bit-part player in the Premier League."

Plenty of the Elland Road faithful took to the 'All Leeds Aren't We' Facebook group to issue their thoughts on Whelan's claim.

Take a look at the best of the reaction below....

Matty Hill: "Keep, shouldn’t even be up for discussion."

Danny Moran: "If we get promoted he should be loaned out to get minutes in a Championship club."

Craig Jones: "Absolute keeper, as he matures and hopefully stays fit he will be a squad member for sure, possible starter if Forshaw doesn’t come back strong."

Iain Cooke: "Keep in the squad and bring him on as a sub."

Ian Hannant: "One of our best players? Can't believe he gets so little game time top top player."

Robert Hall: "First half against West Brom, our best player. Keep him fit, keep him."

Stephen Clarke: "Immense talent. Wish he got more game time."

Craig Soares: "He will shine next year under Bielsa."