Daniel Farke has praised Leeds United reserve goalkeeper Alex Cairns as “one of the best players” at the club in terms of his demand in training.
Cairns joined Leeds from Salford City in the summer, but despite his extensive Football League experience, he has yet to make an appearance for the club.
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The 31-year-old finds himself stuck behind first-choice Illan Meslier, while Karl Darlow has been on the bench for every Championship game so far this season and has made one appearance in the EFL Cup.
With that in mind, some Leeds Fans may be surprised to find Cairns as the center of conversation during Farke's pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday's 1-1 draw with Preston North End.
However, Cairns received high praise from his manager thanks to his exemplary attitude.
Daniel Farke praises Leeds reserve star Alex Cairns
“I love him, I have to say that,” Farke said of Cairns. Leeds United News). “First of all, it's good because we don't have to play against him in cup competitions anymore, he was great against us and I don't want to be reminded of this game because he was great in his performance and in what he did. He did with our penalties.
“In general, I really like him because he knew exactly his role. We have Ilan, we have Karl, the best goalkeepers at this level. But he participates and tries to prove in every training session that he is the best we have.
“I want these players to know their role, but also not to relax. He wants to improve every day, he's one of the hard-working players and I'm always happy to have him around because he's competitive and professional, but he's always in a good mood and with a smile on his face.
“He has a good sense of humour, and in the dressing room he motivates every player, discussing with Ilan and Karl about the opposition players, giving a hint here and there.
“He's an experienced lad and obviously he's never played at the highest level before, so it doesn't look like he's actually won the Champions League. But it does mean he has the hunger and desire to achieve at this level. It was absolutely the right choice to have him with us, obviously.” He has developed in the club and enjoys a high status.
“I talk a lot about the white blood that runs through the veins of these players and Alex is definitely one of them. We need this kind of player who gives his best almost every day and leaves his heart on the pitch. He works his socks off because of his association with this club.
“How mature he is in the dressing room, it's not always about the players playing every second, it's about the group. Sometimes a player who doesn't get a lot of attention is just as valuable to the group. That's my feeling with Alex.”
