Leeds got a major fitness boost on Monday as Tyler Roberts made his comeback for the Under-23s against Crystal Palace – and fans were delighted.
Roberts hasn’t featured for Leeds this season but had recently started full training with the squad.
That led to his integration back into the fold today with a place on the bench in the Under-23s game.
With plenty of Leeds Under-23 stars in international action, Carlos Corberan named a young line-up, with Roberts and Leif Davis the only senior players in action.
? | With a number of U23 players on international duty, Carlos Corberan makes a number of changes to his side, with Tyler Roberts also named on the bench
— Leeds United (@LUFC) September 9, 2019
Davis started and Roberts was introduced at half-time with the score at 0-0. He got involved straight away, curling a shot wide before missing teammate Stuart McKinstry with a cutback as he looked to make an immediate impact.
The good news for Leeds fans is that he looked really sharp considering how long he’s been out for. Roberts didn’t play in the final game of last season and missed the play-offs, as well as pre-season and the six games in the 19/20 campaign. You wouldn’t have guessed it from today.
Here are the best reactions from delighted fans:
Great to see @official_tyro back! Adds that extra class and guile
— DanzoLambo (@danzolambo) September 9, 2019
https://twitter.com/SamuelBepys/status/1171060184577429505
Come on tyro
— AH (@lufcniners) September 9, 2019
https://twitter.com/backagain31/status/1171048440123420672
One fan said Leeds had missed Roberts and while he’ll be a great addition to have back for the squad, he might find it hard to get straight back in the first team.
Patrick Bamford and Eddie Nketiah have been tussling for the striker spot, while Helder Costa is still waiting for his first start in the Championship.
If Costa does get a start it could mean Pablo Hernandez switching to the number 10 position where Roberts would be looking for game-time.
Yes Tyro
— Alex Farnell (@AlexFarnell09) September 9, 2019
Tyro????????
— Riggins33 (@Rigginsx33) September 9, 2019
Awesome to have him back and he's looking good for so long out
— AllNervesAren'tWe? (@FootyIns) September 9, 2019
Very welcome news
— Neil. Franklin (@_franklin220) September 9, 2019
The encouraging news here is not only is Tyler Roberts looking fit but very sharp too. On the ball he’s like the student PE teacher joining in with his middle school pupils. #lufc
— JG (@JohnnyGiles) September 9, 2019
The Under-23 side was a young one today and Crystal Palace were the beneficiaries. The game ended 0-0, which keeps Leeds’ unbeaten start to the season going, but, as one fan pointed out, Roberts was “like the student PE teacher joining in with his middle school pupils” today.
He couldn’t break the deadlock though, despite looking sharp and the game looking scripted for him to pop up with a late winner.
As it was, Leeds had to thank goalkeeper Illan Meslier for the point today after he saved a Crystal Palace penalty. It means it’s two wins and two draws for Corberan’s side as they look to repeat their title-winning heroics from last season.
Perhaps the best news for Leeds fans, though, is that Roberts got through his 45 minutes unscathed.