Leeds United star Jamie Shackleton has a great attribute for a midfield player in wanting to get into the box and score goals, while his play is also direct, former White Noel Whelan believes.
Shackleton was a standout performer for Leeds in their 1-0 win away at Derby County on Saturday, with the Whites taking an advantage in the Championship playoff semi-final tie between the two clubs.
The midfielder was only introduced into the fray following a first half injury to Adam Forshaw, but has now given Marcelo Bielsa a selection headache ahead of the return at Elland Road.
Whelan is a big fan of what Shackleton brings to the team and hailed his energy, pace and direct game.
And the former White believes that Shackleton has a desire to get into the box and score goals, which is superb attribute for a midfielder.
"He's got great energy, great pace and is very direct, like I've always said", Whelan said on BBC Radio Leeds at Pride Park.
"We've seen him set up goals before with that directness that he has and his style of play.
"He always wants to drive into the 18-yard box, but he also wants to get onto the end of crosses, he also wants to get in the box and score goals, and that's a great attribute to have from a midfield player.
"And he is brave, he is brave to get in there even if the ball doesn't come to him, he's not afraid to do a 20, 30 yard run back."
Shackleton, who has mostly been restricted to substitute appearances for Leeds in the current campaign, will be hoping to have done enough to make Bielsa pick him for Wednesday's meeting with the Rams.
