Eight games remain for Leeds United to earn themselves a place in the Premier League next season, starting with Swansea City on Saturday and Daniel Farke has been discussing his attacking options.
Joel Piroe remains the Championship’s second-best goalscorer behind Joel Piroe, Mateo Joseph was the subject of a bid from Real Betis in January and Patrick Bamford is fit again and back in Leeds training.
So, for the final eight games, Leeds are back to their full compliment of attackers. Daniel Farke has even said Willy Gnonto is 50-50 to be in the squad for Saturday, despite returning early from Italy U21 duty.
Behind those four options up front and possibly Dan James, is 16-year-old Harry Gray. Archie’s younger brother has been in Leeds training and was one of six youngsters that went to Germany last summer.
Photo by Eric Verhoeven/Soccrates/Getty Images
Photo by Eric Verhoeven/Soccrates/Getty Images
Daniel Farke discusses giving Harry Gray his Leeds United debut
Gray has been scoring goals for Leeds’ second string despite only turning 16 earlier this season. His form has caught the eye, with Tottenham, Arsenal and Newcastle all interested in signing Gray from Leeds.
On Thursday, the Yorkhire Evening Post’s Graham Smyth asked about the possibility of Gray getting his debut before the end of the season. Farke said he wants to hand Gray a debut, but the timing is an issue.
“All the players involved in team training have the chance to make the squad. We must not forget Harry is so young, never played at senior level and to say he can start while having the best goalscorer Piroe.
“Much sought-after Mateo Joseph, experienced Patrick Bamford would be a bit too soon. But Harry trains with us and improves and it is important for him. We want to involve him as soon as possible,” he said.
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If Leeds are winning, Harry Gray should be afforded debut
Earlier in the season, Farke handed Sam Chambers and Charlie Crew their senior Leeds debuts for the final 15 minutes of a win against Plymouth. If Leeds are winning handsomely, then Gray could get his debut.
The issue is for Gray even getting into the Leeds squad is going to be difficult, with Bamford now fit. So, if Gray is to get his debut before the end of the season – he is going to need to set Leeds training on fire.
But with so much at stake, Leeds need experience and cool heads to score them the goals that sends them towards promotion. But there is no doubt that Gray deserves a senior chance at Elland Road.