Patrick Bamford has hailed the 'crucial' influence of Luke Ayling both on and off the pitch, after the right-back extended his stay at Leeds United until the summer of 2024.
Ayling's original deal was due to expire at the end of this season, but the Whites exercised their option to extend his contract at Elland Road by an extra year.
The 31-year-old missed the first five league games through injury but has gradually eased himself back into the first team frame with a series of impressive displays in recent weeks.
Rasmus Kristensen has failed to retain his place in the side, and Bamford believes Ayling has not only illustrated his quality on the pitch, but also his importance in the dressing room as one of the club's most experienced players.
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"I am delighted [for Ayling]," Bamford told BBC West Yorkshire. "He's a crucial member of the team. People maybe started to forget about him when he wasn't playing at the start of the season and thought he was going to be a bit-part player.
"But he's shown, especially the last two games, just how crucial he is. Not only with his performances but having him on the pitch to step in when Coops isn't there as the captain is vital.
"The way he is around the dressing room and around the place. He's a good guy."
Ayling has started in each of Leeds' last six games in the Premier League, and was one of the standout players in their recent doubleheader against bitter rivals Manchester United.
He joined Leeds from Bristol City in 2016 and was a first team regular as the Whites ended a 16-year absence from the Premier League by lifting the Championship title in 2020.
The Leeds vice-captain has gone onto accumulate 237 appearances for the club - scoring eight goals and providing 20 assists.
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