Former Leeds United man Noel Whelan has warned Bailey Peacock-Farrell he shouldn’t be “kicking up a fuss” over first-team football after the goalkeeper .
The Northern Irishman revealed he is looking for assurances from the club over his role next season, as he enters the final year of his contract.
Speaking to the media on international duty, the 22-year-old declared every match as “a shop window”, further sparking speculation he could depart Elland Road.
Peacock-Farrell started the campaign as Marcelo Bielsa’s first-choice man between the sticks, before losing his place in goal following Kiko Casilla’s arrival in January.
Despite losing his place in the side at Elland Road, he is due to make his first appearance since March for Michael O’Neill’s side, when they take on Estonia this afternoon.
'I think it is wrong'
Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan was critical of the Thorp Arch graduate’s comments, adding that they put unnecessary pressure on the club.
He said: “There’s no guarantee, you’ve got to work for your place. Coming out and putting the club under fire like that, in a little bit of a threatening way, pushing his own place, I think it’s wrong.
“I understand you want to play, but that’s not the way you do it, he’s threatening the club. He’s still under contract with Leeds United, whatever happens, happens, rather than kicking up a fuss on Sky Sports News.
“That shouldn’t have been coming out publicly. That should have been between manager, chairman and player. It’s forceful, it forces the hand of Leeds United.”
With speculation mounting that Casilla could head back to Spain after only six months in West Yorkshire, United could be forced to dip into the transfer market for reinforcements.
This isn’t the first time Whelan has been outspoken about one of the Whites’ current crop.
'It is all about him. He is not a team player'
The Englishman issued a scathing attack on Pontus Jansson shortly after Leeds’ play-off defeat to Derby County, urging Victor Orta to sell the Swedish international this summer.
Speaking to BBC West Yorkshire Sport Daily, he said: “It’s all about him. He is not a team player.
"He’s an individual. It is as simple as that. If he is the first to go, fantastic because there are better defenders.
Stick with us for all the latest from Elland Road and remember to follow our Instagram account ( @leedsunitedlive ) and our Facebook page where you can get notifications to your phone when anything happens.
