Leeds United should be proud of Lewie Coyle.

That is the message from Fleetwood Town manager Joey Barton who has lauded the defender who can play in midfield too, after his performance last weekend against Burton Albion.

Barton was discussing the Leeds loanee with the Fleetwood Weekly News and talked up the 23-year-old’s stay at Highbury.

Barton described the player with great ‘team ethic’ and went on to praise the youngster further.

Coyle has managed 30 appearances for the Cod Army this season and has been an integral part of the starting XI.

The 23-year-old had made a handful of appearances for the Whites in the last two seasons before Marcelo Bielsa opted to send the young defender out to the third tier for a season.

A move that was welcome by Barton, who has expressed that Leeds fans should be proud of their on-loan star having been a big hit at Highbury this term.

After the impressive loan spell with Fleetwood, will Coyle be anywhere near the first-team when he arrives back at Thorp Arch in the summer for the new season?

That is a question we asked our team of FLW writers.

Here’s what they had to say on the matter.

Jay Taylor

“I don’t see why not.

“He is proving his worth in competitive football and can play in midfield or in defence so he could be an option in several different positions.

“Coyle is no stranger to the Leeds first team having played a handful of times over the last two years.

“He will be hoping to become a mainstay next season regardless of which division they are in.

“And with their injury problems this year, I can see him being in and around the main squad next term.”

Gary Hutchinson

“Not at all.

“I can’t understand how he’d feature if they went up.

“If they stay down, maybe but then if Bielsa moves on it could be a big blow.

“There are too many variables right now.”

Louie Chandler

“Not for me.

“Coyle has done well out on loan this season, but I think Leeds and whoever is in charge will want somebody better.

“He could be a useful squad player, however.”