Leeds star branded 'superb' by country's media after 'showing his quality' on Monday

By Lee Clarke

Leeds United star Stuart Dallas started for Northern Ireland against Italy last night – and he was in typically brilliant form.

The versatile performer lined up in the right wing-back role he’s become accustomed to in recent years.

It was a memorable night for Northern Ireland too. They ended their participation in the World Cup qualifiers with a 0-0 draw against Italy.

That performance was in no small part due to the work rate at both ends of the pitch from Dallas.

It was the type of performance that Leeds fans have grown to love in recent years during the club’s meteoric rise.

The Belfast Telegraph delivered player ratings on their website and Dallas was handed an 8/10 – suggesting he was a truly class act on Monday.

“Superb tracking back; broke up attacking and showed his quality and experience. Unable to power home late chance,” The Belfast Telegraph claimed.

The 30-year-old has now played 56 times for his country and is a regular for Leeds too.

Dallas is worshipped by the Leeds fan base and on his showing last night, it’s easy to see why.

His energy levels are unrivalled in the Northern Ireland ranks and he should be happy with his performance.

Quality: Dallas vital to Leeds fortunes

It will be a blow for Dallas that he’s not been able to help Northern Ireland qualify for the World Cup.

At 30, the Qatar tournament might have represented his last chance of making one.

Dallas has been a stalwart at Leeds and typifies the role of utility man. This season alone he has played left-back, right-back, in central midfield and on the left-wing.

As a result, he’s a vital component of Marcelo Bielsa’s team and he’ll hope to help Leeds climb the league table when club football resumes.

Dallas has played 243 times for Leeds, scoring 27 goals and registering 18 assists.

He never lets club or country down and Northern Ireland fans will hope he wins plenty more caps before his playing days dwindle to a close.