Versatile Leeds man Stuart Dallas must use Northern Ireland games to prove a point to Marcelo Bielsa

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Marcelo Bielsa’s previous comments have shown how hard it is to break into the Leeds United starting line-up if you are a substitute.

Speaking about why Lewis Baker’s time at Elland Road did not work out, Bielsa told The Yorkshire Post: “I work a lot so that when a player comes into the starting XI he doesn’t go out of it. Usually the player who plays as a starter stays as a starter.”

This is bad news for the likes of Stuart Dallas, who has been stuck as a bit-part player over the past several weeks.

The 27-year-old has proven to be a real team player, operating at right-back, left-back or in his preferred position on the wings.

But with eight starts and 13 substitute cameos in the league, it is clear that Bielsa views Dallas as a substitute option rather than a starter.

Dallas’ last six appearances have been from the bench and he has not started a match since picking up an injury in early December.

This is why he must use the international break to prove a point to Bielsa with impressive performances for his country.

The Northern Ireland international is set to face Estonia and Belarus in the Euro 2020 qualifiers and he can use these games to get back into the Leeds team if he impresses.