Lee Johnson jokes he wanted to two-foot Leeds defender Luke Ayling

Add as preferred source on Google

Lee Johnson has joked, in comments reported by Bristol Live, that he was tempted to two-foot Luke Ayling following an incident during Leeds United’s clash with Bristol City at the weekend.

The Whites came out on top on Saturday. And it was Ayling who bagged the winning goal, as he volleyed home from close range after something of a scramble inside the Robins’ box.

But it was another incident during the clash at Elland Road that Johnson has now been asked about.

LS11 posted a clip from the game showing Ayling being pushed by Johnson on the touchline during a break in play.

The right-back was seemingly attempting to be a nuisance while Johnson held a discussion with some of his players.

But the City boss applauded Ayling for trying to have a listen to what was being said, while he also praised his performance.

“He’s a great lad, first and foremost. And obviously he’s done really well and he was probably the main man in that game the way he played,” he said, as reported by Bristol Live.

“Part of me wanted to – with my player’s head on – tread on his toes, two foot him, give him a cuddle and pinch him under the arms at the same time.

“But part of me also respected his sneaky nature, listening to what I had to say.”

TBR View – Ayling came back to haunt Johnson

It was a hugely important win for Leeds. And it would have been a particularly sweet afternoon for Ayling.

The 28-year-old spent just over two years at Ashton Gate before being sold to the Whites. And it was Johnson who was in charge when the defender moved.

Ayling has largely been an inspired signing for Leeds. So it may have added a little bit of insult to injury for Johnson that it was a player sold during his tenure who decided Saturday’s clash.