Selfless Berardi putting Leeds United welfare first

Berardi dislocated his shoulder in the opening weekend win at Bolton Wanderers but returned to the United side when replacing the injured Liam Cooper in the second half of the recent 2-0 victory at home to Birmingham City.

Berardi’s introduction allowed right back Luke Ayling to shift to centre back.

But right back Ayling and left back Vurnon Anita again kept Berardi out of the side for the subsequent 1-0 loss at Millwall though Berardi was handed a first start since the opening weekend in Tuesday night’s Carabao Cup clash at Burnley.

The former Swiss international admits he is now ready and waiting to start if called upon for Saturday afternoon’s visit of Ipswich Town though the 29-year-old insists his primary concern is his team’s welfare as a whole.

“I am ready to play and of course it will be better when you make more games,” said Berardi.

“But now I feel good and of course, I want to play like all my team mates.

“But it is good to have some challenges in the sessions.

“We have a few players in every position, good players so it’s good for the manager and good for the team.

“But for me, it’s not a problem to stay on the bench and help my team mates from the bench or come on in the match in the second half.

“Of course I want to play and I always train every day to play on Saturday but it’s not a problem.

“Everyone knows that for me it’s not a problem to stay on the bench and help my team mates because I will always do my best even from the bench.”