Dallas tipped to shine at Leeds

Mark Warburton has backed Stuart Dallas to shine at Leeds following his move from Brentford.

The former Bees boss, now manager at Rangers, signed Dallas in his role as sporting director at Griffin Park after spotting the winger playing for Irish side Crusaders.

Warburton, who succeeded Leeds boss Uwe Rosler as Brentford manager, selected Dallas 43 times last season and the 24-year-old scored eight goals.

Warburton told West London Sport: “I’m delighted for him that he’s got the chance to play for a club like Leeds and I have no doubt he’ll do well there.

“He lived up to much of his potential at Brentford but there’s much more to come from Stuart Dallas in my mind. He’s got a big future.

“Obviously he has worked with Uwe before and they know each other, which will help him. He’s never been a moment’s trouble, has a superb attitude and he’s worked so hard for what he’s achieved.

Mark Warburton, Brentford manager
Warburton left Brentford at the end of last season

“You have to remember Stuart hasn’t played at a top academy, or even a league academy – he came from the Northern Irish league – so he’s always been playing catch-up.

“I remember spotting him playing on windy, rainy week-night playing for Crusaders. It was an awful pitch and I actually went there to watch someone else but Stuart shone like a beacon. Signing him was a no-brainer.”

Dallas struggled to hold down a regular first-team place under Rosler at Brentford but the German was keen to take him to Leeds this summer.

“I think last season we really started to see how much of a danger he is from a number of positions,” Warburton added.

“He can play off the right, the left, through the middle. We even played him at left-back and he didn’t put a foot wrong.

“He injects lots of energy into the game, is great on the ball, great technique and has an excellent shot on him. Leeds have signed an excellent player.”

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