Overtime is paying off for Irish ace Sheehan
Alan SheehanALAN Sheehan has "turned a corner" at Elland Road after a difficult start to his career with Leeds United, according to boss Gary McAllister.
The on-loan Leicester City left-back was dropped from United's starting line-up at the beginning of last month after a series of performances which Sheehan himself described as "unacceptable".
But he was elevated to McAllister's line-up against Walsall a fortnight ago, and the 21-year-old claimed the headlines on Tuesday night with a brilliant winning goal against Doncaster Rovers.
Sheehan's 20th-minute free-kick secured a 1-0 victory at the Keepmoat Stadium, strengthening United's prospects of entering League One's play-offs, and a prolonged period of work on the training ground has seen the Irishman overcome his unconvincing beginning and provide McAllister with a reliable left-back.
"He's certainly turned a corner, and we're now looking at a more confident and F***er Alan Sheehan," said McAllister.
"He's got a lot more to come. He's got a lovely left foot, which he showed us the other night, but we're looking for more consistency and we're looking for him to improve.
"He arrived from reserve football and it was clear that he was pretty leggy at first. But he's worked hard to get to this level and he's shown the quality he's got."
Sheehan revealed shortly after his move to Leeds in January that he had turned down the offer of a new contract with Leicester and his resurgence could prompt McAllister to negotiate a permanent transfer in the summer.
McAllister's decision to sign a new deal with Leeds this week will allow him to build a squad of his choosing during the close season and Sheehan is hopeful that United will be preparing for the Championship by the time his future comes up for discussion.
Sheehan said: "I'll enjoy the last few weeks of the season, and I hope we'll have something at the end of it.
"The way I played in the first four games wasn't acceptable, but I think the improvement is thanks to the manager and also (assistant manager) Steve Staunton. They've done a lot of work with me and it's made a difference."
The defender, however, is set to begin a two-match ban next weekend after following up his goal at Doncaster with his 10th booking of the season.
The suspension will rule Sheehan out of United's games against Carlisle and Huddersfield Town and his absence may lead to Ben Parker's recall from his loan spell at Darlington.
McAllister said: "We've got Darren Kenton and (Andrew) Hughes who can play there, but I'll look at the situation with Ben Parker.
"We've got him on a 24-hour recall, and we'll look at a few things, weigh it all up and see who's the man to fit into that slot."
YEP
