The goalkeeping group at Leeds United is under more scrutiny right now than it has been all season after Illan Meslier’s mistakes against Hull City – with Karl Darlow coming in on Saturday.
Wales star Darlow was always expected to start against Harrogate Town in the FA Cup whether or not Meslier had made the mistakes he made in the 3-3 draw at Hull, but fans have debated who starts next.
Leeds take on Sheffield Wednesday this weekend and many are calling for Darlow to start over Meslier on Sunday in the Yorkshire derby, but Farke has already leapt to the defence of Meslier and he’s set to start.
What is certain, is that veteran goalkeeper and Thorp Arch product Alex Cairns will remain as the club’s third-choice goalkeeper. Cairns is aware he may never play for Leeds, despite being a current player.
What Leeds sources are saying about goalkeeper Alex Cairns
The Athletic’s new reporter Beren Cross has published a piece discussing Meslier’s form between the sticks. It also shares what insiders at Leeds United are saying about the future of Cairns at Elland Road.
The 32-year-old has only ever played for Leeds once, coming off the bench at half-time in a 5-0 home defeat to Blackpool for Paul Rachubka. He’s gone on to form a career with Fleetwood and Salford City.
Returning to Leeds in the summer, Cairns represents a homegrown asset for Leeds and Cross reports on The Athletic’s site that Leeds sources think he could stay at Leeds for the next 10 years, as third-choice.
Alex Cairns could be Leeds United’s version of Scott Carson
Carson, like Cairns, came through the Thorp Arch academy. A four-time England international, Carson has now been at Manchester City for the past five years and is expected to continue in that role for a while.
He has played twice for Manchester City during that time, but the 39-year-old is set to remain for a while at City. Now, Cairns could take on a similar role, a player that the Leeds boss has described “outstanding”.
Cairns’ experience and leadership will be crucial in offering Meslier the support and confidence he needs ahead of Sunday’s clash against Danny Rohl’s Sheffield Wednesday, and restoring a normality at Leeds.
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