Leeds United promotion favourite Luke Ayling makes Elland Road return versus Millwall

The Leeds defender has spent the past few months on loan at the Riverside Stadium and due to an expiring contract at Elland Road this summer, played his last game for United in the FA Cup Third Round win over Peterborough United.

Ayling has made a return to the ground where he made his name as a promotion hero in 2020 for Leeds' game against Millwall on Sunday afternoon, mingling with supporters in The Old Peacock - which has been temporarily renamed 'The Luke Ale Inn' in homage to his performances over 268 games for the club. The 32-year-old was spotted donning a baseball cap, taking photographs with supporters in the beer garden at the famous Leeds pub.

He has been a regular starter whilst on loan at Middlesbrough, appearing in every Championship game under head coach Michael Carrick since joining in January. The defender has also registered three assists in four of his last appearances for Boro.

Due to the scheduling of Leeds' Millwall fixture, Ayling has been able to make a return to Elland Road, as a supporter, as promised when he departed two months ago. Middlesbrough drew 0-0 with Blackburn Rovers on Saturday afternoon taking their unbeaten run to four games.