Leeds snub veteran Batty

David Batty's career statistics

Leeds caretaker manager Eddie Gray has revealed that veteran David Batty has played his last game for the club.

Gray has decided that Batty will not be included between now and the end of the season, when his contract expires.

The 35-year-old former England midfield man returned to the Leeds side this season after a lengthy spell out of favour before Peter Reid's arrival.

Leeds are bottom of the Premiership, but Gray does not believe he needs Batty to help the survival bid.

Gray told BBC Radio Leeds: "I've made a decision that I'll not be using him again this season.

"He knows how I feel. I think it's been a bit frustrating for him over the last few weeks.

"He's been a great player for the club and he's been a great player at other clubs but I just had to make the decision I felt was the right one."

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Batty's agent Hayden Evans said: "David was asked into a meeting and told of the decision. As you can understand, he is extremely disappointed."

He was a member of Howard Wilkinson's title-winning side during his first spell at Leeds, became David O'Leary's first signing as Leeds manager in December 1998 when he paid Newcastle £4.4m for his services.

O'Leary's successor Terry Venables froze Batty out of the first team, but he was recalled by Reid and featured under Gray when he opted for a five-man midfield.