Leeds United Under-23s boss Carlos Corberan believes Luke Ayling's appearance for the club's Under-23s in Monday night's 6-0 hammering of Watford at Elland Road will stand the club's younger players in good stead.
Ayling, who joined the Whites from Bristol City in August 2016, stepped up his return from ankle surgery on Monday evening, appearing as a half-time substitute.
And Ayling, who played a key part in helping Leeds reach the Championship play-offs last term, marked the occasion with a goal, netting the Whites' sixth goal, helping Corberan's troops post their biggest win of the campaign to keep their unbeaten start intact.
With Ayling, of course, bolstering his fitness levels ahead of a return to the first-team fold, Corberan, too, has highlighted the importance of his experience rubbing off on some of the club's youngsters.
Corberan said: "I think it was very positive and these types of games can help a lot, because from one long period of injury the players need to recover the physical levels, the confidence, the technical ability, even if it is for the Under-23s.
"They need this step and I think it is very positive to see someone like Luke Alyling, who is experienced in the first-team, to be here and ready to face every game or to train with the Under-23s.
"He is teaching them what you need to be a Leeds United player."
The Whites' Under-23s next outing is on Friday when they travel to the KCOM Stadium to face Hull City, kick-off 1.00pm.
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