Rachubka horror show could force Leeds United into loan market

On-loan Liverpool playmaker Jonjo Shelvey inspired Ian Holloway’s side with his first career hat-trick and he was ably supported by Lomana LuaLua, who bagged a brace on his first Blackpool start.

A dismal first half from Rachubka had a decisive influence on the outcome and saw 18-year-old rookie Alex Cairns handed his professional debut between the posts in the second period.

“The real kick in the teeth was the three mistakes Paul made, unfortunately,” said Grayson,” who hauled his goalkeeper off at half-time.

“There’s not a lot I could say to him. He’s obviously really down but I felt I had no opportunity to keep him on.

“I felt for himself, for the team, for the club that it was best I took him out of the limelight. Obviously his confidence was very low.”

Rachubka has suffered a chequered start to his Leeds career since first-choice keeper Andy Lonergan was sidelined with a finger injury last month and Grayson’s previous statements of public support for the former Manchester United trainee appeared to have wavered as he discussed the prospect of a loan move.

“It’s something I have to consider for the weekend,” he said. “Do I play Paul, do I play Alex Cairns, who is a young kid, or do I go into the loan market?”

For the full reaction read Thursday’s Yorkshire Post.