Leeds United boss Javi Gracia defended under fire star Luke Ayling from the media.

The right-back had a very poor game in a 5-1 loss to Crystal Palace at the weekend.

Leeds are firmly in the relegation fight, with Palace easing their own problems after the win.

Post-game, Gracia told reporters on Ayling: “I think that he's trying to help the team and like the rest of the players he tries to do his best.

“In this moment I don't want to say or to give my personal opinion about one player because today more than ever I want to be close to my players and try to be ready for the next."