Andy Lonergan has been axed from the Leeds United team for their Championship clash against Barnsley on Saturday due to poor form, according to a reliable journalist.
Yorkshire Evening Post correspondent Phil Hay reported on his personal Twitter account shortly after the United XI had been announced for the Oakwell showdown that the goalkeeper was not suffering from illness or injury.
In a Twitter exchange with Leeds fans, Hay explained that Lonergan had lost his place to Felix Wiedwald due to his recent form.
Lonergan is on the bench. So it’s tactical/form
— Phil Hay (@PhilHayYEP) November 25, 2017
Lonergan had started Leeds’ previous seven league matches before the clash against Barnsley but he has paid the price for recent errors, including in the midweek 4-1 mauling by Wolves.
OPINION
Chopping and changing keepers is a recipe for inconsistency at the back. But Christiansen has made the correct decision by restoring former Werder Bremen keeper Wiedwald to the starting XI in place of the more experienced Lonergan, who delivered another shaky display in midweek. Wiedwald made mistakes during his run in goal in the first two months of the season but he can offer far more effective distribution than the Englishman, and his reflexes are equally sharp. A big call by the manager, but the correct one.