Noel Whelan reacts to Kiko Casilla’s display in Leeds win

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Noel Whelan has told BBC Radio Leeds (broadcast on 22/2; 17:12) that Kiko Casilla may have produced a massive moment in Leeds United’s season with the save that denied Reading during the latter stages of Saturday’s win.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side enjoyed another fantastic day in their push for promotion out of the Championship. Pablo Hernandez scored the game’s only goal during the second-half after a tenacious run to the edge of the six-yard box.

Reading enjoyed some good spells during the game. But they struggled to test Casilla. However, that changed in the final moments when Liam Moore went through.

But the Spaniard – who, as reported by the Yorkshire Evening Post, continues to await the FA’s decision concerning a potential racism charge which he has denied – produced a fantastic stop to deny the centre-back.

And Whelan heaped praise on Casilla for stepping up when needed against the Royals after coming in for a lot of criticism in recent times.

“He’s gone through a turbulent month. He really has. On the field, now ongoing off the field hanging over him with what’s going to happen with the charges. But that save was unreal,” he told BBC Radio Leeds.

“And you could see how much it meant to everybody. He had absolutely zero to do all through the game. That was the opportunity, hearts were in mouths again. And he’s come out, spread himself absolutely massive and made such an important save.

“We’ll look back to this at the end of the season and think what if it did go in, what if he didn’t make that save, what if he didn’t come out there then.”

TBR View – Leeds fans deserve credit for sticking by Casilla

As soon as it became apparent that Bielsa would stick by Casilla after his howler at Brentford earlier this month, the mood amongst Leeds fans appeared to change.

Many had wanted Illan Meslier to be given a chance. But the large majority of supporters seemed to put those feelings to one side once Bielsa confirmed that Casilla would keep his place.

The former Real Madrid man arguably has some way to go before he silences the critics of his performances on the pitch.

But he has arguably done all that has been asked of him in the last two games.