Karl Darlow shares what he really thinks about playing back-up to Illan Meslier at Leeds United

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Karl Darlow might have expected to play more regularly for Leeds United when he joined the club from Newcastle United in the summer of 2023, since clocking up just five appearances.

The 33-year-old goalkeeper chose to move to Leeds just over a year ago. It was believed the former Nottingham Forest man would rival Meslier for the no.1 spot, but he played just four times last season.

This season, he’s played just once and it came in the 3-0 defeat to Middlesbrough at Elland Road in the Carabao Cup. Meslier remains the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper for Daniel Farke at the moment.

During the international break, Darlow won his first cap for Wales in Craig Bellamy’s second game. He starred in the Montenegro rain alongside Joe Rodon and Ethan Ampadu, as Wales secured a 2-1 victory.

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Darlow discusses Leeds game time and Meslier rivalry in goal

Meslier of course, has impressed since relegation. He won the Championship’s golden glove last season and this term, has secured three clean sheets in four appearances since being named as a vice captain.

Following his Wales debut which saw Darlow break a 20-year Wales record, he is quoted by Leeds Live as saying that he is desperate to play more but it is not an “issue” for him moving forward at Elland Road.

“That’s not an issue for myself. Yes, I want to play more, of course, but [with] the work that goes on on the training ground, I know how dedicated I am to my profession and how I work day in, day out,” he said.

Dan James is a big fan of new Wales teammate Darlow

Dan James did not get to play alongside Darlow during the break with the Leeds speed machine failing to overcome a hamstring injury that saw the former Swansea talent miss the last outing, a 2-0 win over Hull.

Speaking ahead of Darlow’s debut for Bellamy’s Wales, James described Darlow as a “great” goalkeeper even if the Northampton-born star is struggling to oust Meslier from his starting spot at Elland Road.

“He’s a great goalkeeper who has played a lot of first-team games. We’re [Wales] a young team and Karl’s experience will be good for us going into the competitions we’ve got coming up,” James said, on Darlow.