Luke Ayling reacts after what 26-year-old Leeds player did on international duty this week

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Luke Ayling may now be on loan at Middlesbrough, but he’s certainly not someone will be forgotten quickly at Leeds United.

Ayling was a huge part of the dressing room at Leeds and Patrick Bamford has already spoken about how it is quieter without his presence in there day in, day out.

Currently Leeds‘ dressing room will be looking very empty with the vast majority of the squad away on international duty with their respective countries ahead of the promotion run-in.

Leeds’ Welsh quartet, Archie Gray and Willy Gnonto are among those who have enjoyed the best of it so far.

The former defeated Glen Kamara’s Finland 4-1 in the play-off semi-finals on Thursday night, Gray took just five minutes to mark his England U21s debut with a goal, while the latter captained Italy’s U21s to a win yesterday.

Gray was not the only Leeds player to score for their nation, with Dan James also doing so from the bench to round off a brilliant evening for Wales in South Wales.

Ayling reacts as former Leeds teammate James scores for Wales

Like Ethan Ampadu, James was making his 50th Wales appearance against Finland and continued his fine goal scoring season for both club and country with a late strike.

With his fresh legs, James pounced on some ponderous play at the back by the visitors, before bearing down on goal and rounding the goalkeeper to score.

James posted on Instagram to mark a memorable evening both personally and collectively, and Ayling is among those to have sent a response to the 26-year-old.

James wrote: “What an honour to represent my country for the 50th time and to mark it with a goal! On to Tuesday.”

Ayling is always one to show his appreciation for teammates past and present on Instagram when it is deserved, and it certainly was a momentous night for James on Thursday.

James thriving in super sub role for Leeds and Wales

Coming off the bench is a role James has had to get used to over the last few weeks since returning from a minor injury lay-off in February.

James had very much been Leeds’ first choice right-winger but Willy Gnonto has taken that spot in recent weeks thanks to a run of six goals in his last nine league appearances.

The 26-year-old has enjoyed a brilliant season at Elland Road and despite his lack of starts recently, he still has not let that diminish his impact on the team.

In his last five appearances from the bench for club and country, James has scored two goals and provided one assist. His sheer pace has proved just too much for tired defenders.

Against Millwall last weekend, he got just 21 minutes of football, yet still managed to find the back of the net, create a big chance and hit the post. He is some asset for both Daniel Farke and Rob Page to have in reserve, and it’s going to be massive for the run-in.