Kalvin Phillips backs Pascal Struijk to overcome Leeds United learning curve after early substitution

Kalvin Phillips is backing Pascal Struijk to bounce back and 'take it on the chin' following his early substitution at Aston Villa last week.

The Ajax academy product was handed the task of replacing the injured Phillips for the clash with Dean Smith's side at Villa Park.

Struijk, though, saw his evening come to an end just 21 minutes into the clash after picking up an early booking and running the risk of a second yellow card.

Jamie Shackleton was the man to replace the 21-year-old as the Whites' ran out 3-0 winners thanks to a Patrick Bamford hat-trick.

Phillips suffered a similar ordeal during Bielsa's first term at Elland Road, having been replaced twice around the 20 minute mark against Swansea City and Birmingham.

The England international has backed his Leeds team-mate to learn from the experience, just like he did two seasons ago.

"I was a bit gutted for Pascal," Phillips reflected to the Leeds That podcast.

"I've been in them situations before. It's not easy being brought off after 20 minutes but he's a great player and he'll take it on the chin and focus on playing the next game.

"Luke Ayling did unbelievable at centre-back [against Villa]. He just looked so comfortable whether he was playing centre half, left centre half or right back.

"Stuart Dallas is obviously a player who is so consistent in every game he plays. Jamie Shackleton when he came on as well for Pascal.

"You can't go without mentioning Pat. He deserves it. He's a very good and hardworking player. He's had some flack over the years, especially against Villa."

Phillips was also asked about football without the raucous United support in attendance.

"I was thinking watching the game against Villa imagine having the away fans there," he admitted.

"Listening to them sing as we were winning 3-0 would've been a surreal moment. There's times where you think about when the fans were actually in there.

"The games that come to mind are the 100th year game [v Birmingham City]. The Villa game when we played them away and beat them 3-2 in the last minute - that was one of the best atmospheres from a set of away fans that I've ever been involved with.

"Every time Pat put one in the back of the net I was just thinking it would be an unreal game to be at if the fans were there.

"It is what it is. Hopefully by the start of next year in mid-January fans will be allowed back in some form."