Leeds United: Dallas and Wood impress on international duty

Winger Stuart Dallas was a member of the Northern Ireland side which defeated San Marino 4-0, while Chris Wood captained New Zealand in their 2-1 defeat to Mexico in a friendly match played in the United States.

Former Brentford winger Dallas, who featured for Michael O’Neill’s side at Euro 2016, played well in Belfast on Saturday night.

He linked up neatly in the middle with Steven Davis – who scored the opener from the penalty spot – and former Huddersfield Town player Oliver Norwood.

But he was eventually taken off after 65 minutes as O’Neill looked for more goals against the ten-man minnows.

And his decision paid off as Jamie Ward scored and substitute Kyle Lafferty, who was heavily linked with United last season, bagged a brace for the hosts.

For his part, striker Wood also impressed in the Mexico defeat watched by over 40,000 fans in Nashville.

Trailing 1-0 at half-time, the All Whites levelled early in the second period as Wood’s pass picked out Chesterfield’s Liam Graham. He broke down the wing and his precise cross allowed Marco Rojas to slide the ball home.

But Marco Fabian (56) won it for Mexico, with Wood’s side facing another stern test tomorrow when they take on the USA in Washington DC.

In-form Leeds defender Pontus Jansson failed to feature for Sweden in their 1-0 victory over Luxembourg on Friday night and will be hoping to get the nod against Bulgaria tonight.

Whites midfielder Eunan O’Kane was an unused substitute in the Republic of Ireland’s 1-0 home win over Georgia and was a late substitute in last night’s 3-1 victory in Moldova.