Former Leeds United man Noel Whelan believes that whilst Stuart Dallas will be missed against Blackburn Rovers this afternoon, Ezgjan Alioski has shown he will be able to step in easily.

The Northern Irish international, who has been a regular under Marcelo Bielsa this season, was forced off in injury time against Luton in the week and he hasn't trained ahead of the trip to Ewood Park.

Therefore, Dallas is likely to miss out, with Alioski taking his place at full-back. The 28-year-old has been restricted to three substitute appearances since the restart, although he has made a big impression in that time, including scoring a goal in the crucial win over Fulham.

With that in mind, Whelan explained to Football Insider how he has no worries about Alioski stepping in for the significant clash this afternoon.

"Dallas is doubtful, he is doubtful so Alioski will come straight into that position. Alioski, I think he’s done pretty well when he’s come in, quite frankly, I think he’s done okay so that’s not a worry to me. That would be the natural option to but to lose Dallas, that’s a big blow."

A win for Leeds will at worst keep the Whites six points clear of third-placed Brentford in the race for automatic promotion.

The verdict

There's no denying that if Dallas is absent that it will be a setback because he has been extremely consistent for Leeds this season.

However, as Whelan states, Alioski is more than capable of filling in easily and his form in the past three games has been a major positive for the Yorkshire outfit.

He will provide an attacking threat down the left flank from the start and probably deserves a place in the XI following his recent displays off the bench.

Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.