Sam Byram gives Daniel Farke a timely reminder for the Leeds United option

Leeds United defender Sam Byram has spent the summer not only seeing a number of full-backs linked with a move to Elland Road, but maintaining his fitness levels so he is ready to start the new season with a bang .

The former Norwich City defender arrived at Elland Road 12 months ago to renew his working relationship with Daniel Farke and has enjoyed a positive campaign with the club. And with Leeds close to signing right-back Jayden Bogle from Sheffield United. Byram took the chance to remind Farke of his adaptability in the opening pre-season friendly at Harrogate.

The 30-year-old can play in both full-back positions and also featured in a three-man backline in a reshuffled formation in stages in the 3-0 win at Harrogate. For his part, Byram is happy to be involved and has ensured he is fit and ready to go after shaking off the disappointment of last May’s play-off final defeat.

“I worked a lot this summer and the summer before before I came,” Byram said. “The game has gone from where you could relax over the summer. You need to come back on the first day of summer as fit or as good as you were at the end of the season.

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“As you get older, you get more experience, you know you want to keep that sharpness and keep that freshness. Obviously, the play-off final was a kick in the teeth. I think everyone needed a few weeks to gather their thoughts and get their energy back. Once that was over, I was hungrier than ever to get back in shape and I’m excited to be back.

“When you get to my age, you like to play. I really enjoy playing in this team, playing for this manager, so whether it’s right-back, left-back, centre-back, wherever, I’m happy to contribute where I can.

“I’ve played there (centre back) a few times. at Norwich and earlier in my career. I like to defend and obviously I’m not the most physical, but I’d like to think positionally that I can adapt to that role, like and completely. -back, so I’m happy to play anywhere.”