Leeds United have seen next to nothing of Sam Byram on the field this season, yet manager Daniel Farke has no intention of moving on a player who has played his part “perfectly” this season.

Byram is set for his first appearance since August at Derby County in the FA Cup third round on Sunday if a stiff back after travelling to Newcastle United and back on Wednesday for nothing allows.

So far this season his only run-outs have been as an 83rd-minute substitute in the 5-0 defeat at Arsenal, and a League Cup start at Sheffield Wednesday.

But the contribution the versatile 32-year-old academy graduate makes goes way beyond that, according to his manager.

“Everyone knows how much I love and really value Sam Byram,” said Farke, who managed the defender at Norwich City in between his two spells at Elland Road. “It's tough to not have him on the pitch more often, or sometimes even in the squad.

“It's just due to what good progress we have made, especially in the full-back or wing-back positions. I think it's due to the quality of Jayden Bogle – who was a top player for us already last season, a bit ahead of Sam – and the signing of Gabi Gudmundsson. James Justin was excellent again on Wednesday and in the last games.

“But for me he's still a key player in the group because he holds the quality in training so high and keeps the pressure high on players like Jayden, Gabi and James to deliver.

“His professionalism is outstanding and he's a role model.

Sam Byram has seen very little action for Leeds United this season. | George Wood/Getty Images

placeholder image — Sam Byram has seen very little action for Leeds United this season. | George Wood/Getty Images

“Sometimes the younger players, when they are not involved, can be a bit moody or perhaps feel sorry for themselves and he proves every day in the dressing room what it means to be a professional footballer.

“Of course he would prefer to play more, to be in the squad.

“But if he's in the squad or not, if he plays or not, in the matchday plus one sessions (the next training session after a game) he's always there with a smile on his face, he always trains at a top level and shows his quality.

“It's important to have this type of player to educate young players.

BIG FAN: Daniel Farke (centre) greatly values what Sam Byram (left) brings to Leeds United (Image: Cameron Smith/Getty Images)

“Sam is a perfect role model and fulfills his role in a perfect manner.”

Bogle missed the games against Manchester United and Newcastle with a calf injury, and is highly unlikely to be risked in a game Farke can use to rest bodies weary after four Premier League games in 10 days.

Anton Stach, Joe Rodon and Brenden Aaronson all went off with cramp in Wednesday's 4-3 loss at Newcastle.

“It is a tough run of fixtures, especially for a side who always has to go over the line and to invest everything in every game,” said Farke.

“I'm a big believer in the cup competitions.

“It's difficult to say why, perhaps it's my German origins with the DFB Pokal. I love traditional cups, especially the FA Cup. For me it's the most traditional cup in the whole of western Europe.

“I always want to win if it's somehow possible, although it's not realistic for us.

“But although we are highly motivated, of course this season the big priority is to stay in the Premier League.

“We won't risk any player in this game, that's for sure. We won't do anything stupid. And I think it's important for some players to get some minutes and to rotate a bit more than we would perhaps for a league game.”

Sunday’s match at Pride Park kicks off at noon.