Leeds United icon Luke Ayling scored his first goal in over two years on Tuesday as Middlesbrough secured a late draw against Leicester City, and he dusted off the Robbie Keane celebration.
Ayling, 34, is enjoying a new lease of life under Rob Edwards at Middlesbrough. Wearing the captain’s armband for Boro, the defender has been a key player in Boro’s excellent start to the 2025-26 season.
Now playing as a central defender under Edwards, the Elland Road icon started his 11th Championship game of the season, featuring in all 14 of Boro’s league matches this season. They sit in third place.
Boro might have lost ground in the race for automatic promotion with both Coventry and Stoke City winning games. Jordan Ayew had given Leicester the lead from the penalty spot in first-half injury time.
Luke Ayling applauds the Middlrsbrough support.
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Luke Ayling recreates Robbie Keane celebration after Boro goal
Boro had gone down to 10 men in the 90th minute when defender Alfie Jones saw red, and all signs were pointing towards a defeat to relegated Leicester at the King Power. But Ayling rose highest to head home.
A brilliant header into the far corner, and Ayling’s first goal since powering home a header for Leeds to draw with West Brom in August 2023. His only goal for Leeds under the stewardship of Daniel Farke.
Delirious, Ayling sprinted towards the corner flag and reproduced Robbie Keane’s famous cartwheel and forward roll celebration. But in true Ayling style, his celebration was more tongue in cheek than artistic.
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Keane has since entered management after a brief stint as Sam Allardyce’s assistant at Elland Road in 2023. Impressing in Hungary with Ferencvaros, Keane has applied for the Wolves job in recent weeks.
Luke Ayling during his Leeds United era.
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The last time Luke Ayling pulled out the Robbie Keane celebration
Ayling might have 12 assists in 62 games for Boro, but it was his first goal for the Teesside club since going on loan to The Riverside initially in January 2024. It was a 19th career goal for the veteran defender.
The last time he pulled off the Keane celebration was during a 3-2 win over Wolves, under Jesse Marsch. Leeds had pulled level after being two down, thanks to goals from Jack Harrison and Rodrigo at Molineux.
Then, in injury time, Ayling popped out to lash home a winner and win 3-2. One of only eight wins in the Premier League under Marsch. Ayling will continue to play a key role in Boro’s push for promotion.