Noel Whelan has lauded Jamie Shackleton for his professionalism and believes he has now given Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa a big selection headache for Wednesday night against Derby County.
Young midfielder Shackleton was brought on off the bench in the first half of the Championship playoff semi-final tie at Pride Park on Saturday, replacing Adam Forshaw, and helped Leeds record a valuable 1-0 win.
Shackleton's performance instantly drew plaudits and Whelan was also impressed with what he saw from the youngster.
But the former Leeds attacker is also keen to salute Shackleton's professionalism, pointing out that the youngster has had to sit on the bench for the majority of the season.
Whelan said after the game on BBC Radio Leeds: "I tell you what, he's been a professional. He's sat on the bench most of the season.
"He's been called upon when needed and he's never let us down.
"That's the sign of a real player."
The former White also believes that Shackleton will now have given Bielsa plenty to think about ahead of the second leg, as he pushes for a starting place against Derby at Elland Road.
"He's got a great future ahead of him and he's put a seed of thought in Mr Bielsa's mind for Wednesday evening."
Shackleton has mostly been restricted to appearances from the bench for Leeds this season and clocked up 19 outings in the regular Championship campaign.
