Former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan says he cannot understand why Sam Byram isn't playing regularly for the Whites.
Byram, who was linked with several Premier League clubs over the summer transfer window, has been left out of the team by head coach Steve Evans amid a continuing contract wrangle.
But Evans claims it is not just the fact that Byram has not yet extended his contract which is why he is out of the team and has cited what he sees as poor form from the right-back.
Whelan though cannot agree and bemoaned Byram's absence in a 1-0 defeat to QPR on Saturday.
He wrote in his column in the Yorkshire Evening Post: "And for me, Sam Byram has got to be playing. Why is he sitting on the bench?
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"I can only think it’s a contract dispute because it’s not about his ability because he’s the best right-back at the club.
"I’ve heard Steve Evans talking about Byram’s performances being under par, well he’s not had chance!" Whelan blasted.
"The one time he did put him in the side against Fulham he had an absolute stormer and even on a half-bad day he’s still the best right-back at the club.
"It just seems ridiculous that he is out when he should be out there making a difference."
Following their defeat at Loftus Road, Leeds are now just four points above the relegation zone in the Championship and are at real risk of being dragged into a survival dogfight.
Rotherham United, who beat Leeds earlier this month, have now closed the gap on their Yorkshire rivals to just four points, as ex-Whites boss Neil Redfearn turns the Millers ship around.
