Former Leeds United forward Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has delivered his verdict on Illan Meslier filling in for Kiko Casilla.
The young goalkeeper replaced the suspended Casilla in Leeds' starting line-up for for their 4-0 victory at Hull City, and is expected to continue between the sticks while the Spaniard serves his eight game ban.
The FA finally confirmed on Friday night that Casilla will be banned for eight matches for using racist or discriminatory language following an incident which took place during Leeds' 1-0 loss to Charlton back in September.
A hearing took place earlier this month, with the FA's verdict coming more than a week after it was concluded, with the keeper also fined £60,000 and instructed to take an educational course, leaving Meslier as the club’s new No.1.
“He’s young and doesn't have no fears,” Hasselbaink told Sky Sports before the Whites’ clash with Hull City on Saturday afternoon.
“For him it is a great opportunity. They must rate him highly because they wouldn’t rate him second.
“They knew from the start of the season that they wanted to get promotion and you need two good goalkeepers.
“He played ever so well against Arsenal and he will have confidence.”
While Keith Andrews added on the youngster: “He is a very, very confident goalkeeper. Very good with his feet which is important the way Bielsa sets up his team. But it is a big, big ask.”
