Rising Leeds United star Harry Gray pushed Dan James all the way in a training race as he returned to full training ahead of the trip to Brighton.
Harry Gray is in contention for a return to the Leeds squad after recovering from a hip flexor injury that sidelined the talented forward.
Having signed a new long-term contract with Leeds, Gray will be hoping to convince Leeds boss Daniel Farke that he is ready for his top-flight debut for the club.
With Leeds’ Under-21s also in action against Brighton this weekend, Gray is likely to make the trip to the south coast either way, as he waits to play his first game since 29th September.
Now, behind-the-scenes footage from Leeds training has shown just how sharp Gray is, as he took on Dan James in a foot race.
Harry Gray during Leeds United FC v Stoke City FC - Sky Bet Championship
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Harry Gray takes on Dan James in Leeds United training
In a welcome sight for Leeds fans, Gray played a full part in Leeds training as the Whites prepared for their attempt to secure a first win over Brighton in 16 years.
The highlight of the video was a series of sprint races between groups of Leeds players, as Daniel Farke put his squad through its paces.
While Joe Rodon showed his deceptive pace to outrun Etham Ampadu and Pascal Struijk, the highlight was undoubtedly the trio featuring Gray and James.
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James is one of the fastest players in the Premier League, let alone in the Leeds squad, but Gray pushed him all the way, keeping pace with the Wales winger for a long stretch and only finishing a couple of strides behind him.
However, spare a thought for veteran defender Sam Byram, who put in a respectable showing to finish third in the trio.
Close up of Dan James in action for Leeds United.
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Willy Gnonto and Noah Okafor also train for Leeds
Farke confirmed that Leeds have a clean bill of health for the trip to the Amex, as he looks to claim Leeds’ first victory at the stadium.
Noah Okafor is Leeds’ joint top-scorer this season, so his presence in training is a significant boost for Farke after the Swiss international was withdrawn at half-time of the game against West Ham.
In a further boost to Farke, forward Willy Gnonto also played a full part in the session, as he looks to make his first Leeds appearance since his short cameo in the defeat against Fulham in mid-September.
Having been short on numbers in recent weeks, Farke will be delighted that the competition for a place in his forward line is now at its most intense since the opening game of the season against Everton.