Former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan feels Lewie Coyle showed maturity way beyond his years against Derby County on Friday night despite being out of the team for so long.
With Liam Cooper not fit enough to start, Garry Monk shifted Luke Ayling to the centre of defence to partner Kyle Bartley and Coyle was slotted in as right-back at Elland Road.
It was Coyle’s first league game this season since the opening day and the 21-year-old Leeds youth product looked self assured and confident in their 1-0 win over Derby.
Whelan was pleased to see the dedication Coyle has shown to remain fit despite not playing regularly in Monk’s first team and believes the youngster was brilliant against a good Derby team.
The former White pointed out that the defender showed maturity way beyond his years and defended properly to ensure Leeds keep a clean sheet against the Rams.
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Whelan said on BBC Radio Leeds: “Take Lewie Coyle – we knew he was a good player, but he's dedicated to himself, his career and Leeds United.
“He's been out a long time but he's a fit boy.
"You looked at how he got forward and the decisions he was making – he didn't dive in, stopped in the one-on-one and showed he's mastered the art of defending.
“You can't dive in – you have to be disciplined, not sell yourself early.
"What he's got – you expect that from someone in their thirties.”
