Darlow has 'proved he's worth being in net'

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Kaiser Chiefs bassist Simon Rix believes Leeds United must hand goalkeeper Karl Darlow a new contract with his current deal expiring this summer.

The Welsh keeper has received praise for his standout performances between the sticks over the last few weeks, which have helped catapult Daniel Farke's side to the brink of Premier League safety.

Speaking on the Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast, Rix said: "It's a test for the recruitment people of getting the right decision here. You've got to give Darlow a year. Even if you're saying to him, you might end up being number three. He's a bit older in age, so maybe give him a few years to be that experienced guy around the squad.

"He was very good with [Lucas] Perri as well when he was having a bad time. When we've been in the FA Cup games, Darlow has been very supportive.

"It's about working out exactly how that contract looks, but I think you've got to. He's been reliable and good. I think it's just whether you go out and get another one and you've got to, haven't you?"

BBC Radio Leeds journalist and host Adam Pope said: "I think if Leeds are to progress, and it looks like they're going to be in the Premier League again, you're going to need a really top-class goalkeeper, I would say. I think Darlow, I said at the start of the season, they should've started with what they had as number one and I think he's definitely proved he's worth being in net.

"Everybody feels so secure around him, and all his games are decent and the amount of saves he's made lately, which sounds like Leeds have been under the cosh when they haven't, he's made four or five worldies to keep Leeds with the points."

Listen to the full podcast here