Stuart Dallas believes Leeds United can build on battling Newcastle United victory ahead of Leicester City clash

Stuart Dallas believes Leeds United can build on their hard-fought victory over Newcastle United.

Marcelo Bielsa's men secured their first points of 2021 at St James' Park in midweek with a 2-1 win over the Magpies.

Goals from wingers Raphinha and Jack Harrison saw the Whites overcome a Miguel Almiron strike on Tyneside.

United dominated much of the opening period but were forced to defend for the majority of the second half with goalkeeper Illan Meslier called into action on a number of occasions.

Steve Bruce's side hit the bar twice from dead ball situations but Leeds held out to seal the three points and return to winning ways for the first time in nearly a month.

"It was a hard-fought win," Dallas reflected post-match.

"There's certainly a lot of things that we can work on. I think looking back on it there were periods in the game where we didn't play so well.

"In other periods we did play well but it was about coming here and getting the three points and stopping that little bit of bad form that we were in results wise.

"We can build on this and look forward now to Leicester."

Bielsa sprung somewhat of a selection surprise ahead of kick-off, opting for Dallas in a box-to-box midfield role over Mateusz Klich.

It was only the second time the Poland international had failed to start under the Whites head coach since his arrival at the club in 2018.

"It was a difficult match, " Dallas added.

"They had a lot of set pieces but I thought when we went forward we were creating chances. They made a few changes and brought a few players on [in the second half].

"It's a great finish from Jack [Harrison] at the end. They're piling bodies forward and it's always going to be frantic coming into the last few minutes when they're desperate for a result.

"I thought in the end we held out well. It's about winning. We've played better this year and not got anything so to come here and get three points is huge for us."