Paudie O’Connor’s future as a Leeds United player seems to be in doubt after he was dropped by Blackpool for recent games.
The 21-year-old started the season as a regular for the League One side, but has been demoted to a bench role.
By mid-October, O’Connor had played nine games for the Tangerines.
He then faced Arsenal in the Carabao Cup and had mixed fortunes as he was sent off after scoring a goal.
Since then, he has struggled to get his place back in the side, featuring in the EFL Trophy and then as a 60th minute substitute in the league.
Since the start of November, the Irishman has played just 30 minutes of league football and this will not be enough to convince Marcelo Bielsa to give him a chance.
In fact, O’Connor may now wish that he had stayed at Leeds, rather than heading out on loan.
With Liam Cooper injured and a lack of depth at the back, Bielsa probably would have given him the first-team nod ahead of Aapo Halme.
The 6ft 5in Finland defender has been in the match day squad for a few games now and impressed when given the chance.
Halme has now leapfrogged O’Connor in the pecking order, leaving the latter’s future in doubt.