Harry Gray was handed his senior debut for Leeds United late last season at just 16, but did not feature again for the Whites before sealing a loan move earlier this month.
As the latest prospect to emerge from the renowned Gray family, his progress has inevitably drawn close scrutiny. However, the 17-year-old striker has continued his development largely away from the spotlight, with Daniel Farke keen to keep expectations in check and protect him from unnecessary pressure. Despite training regularly with the first team, he was not used this season.
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His absence from Leeds’ FA Cup victory over Derby County earlier this month hinted at a change in direction, which was later confirmed when he completed a loan switch to League One outfit Rotherham United last week.
Despite initial worries, the striker seems to be settling at Rotherham and scored his second goal for the League One club in a 4-0 win away at Exeter City on Saturday.
Harry Gray earns huge praise from Rotherham boss Matt Hamshaw
Gray’s goals have helped Rotherham to arrest an alarming run of results, which saw them failing to win eleven games on the trot.
The young Leeds forward has made an impact on his first loan move away from Elland Road, and the 17-year-old is rapidly emerging as a fan favourite at Rotherham.
Hamshaw insisted that the 17-year-old is already a top player and conceded that his relationship with the family helped him to sign the Leeds striker in the winter window.
The Rotherham boss sees a bright future ahead of the young forward and believes he is already good enough to play senior football week in, week out.
Hamshaw is quoted as saying by the Rotherham Advertiser: “Top player, top lad, top family.
“I think I’ve said everything I need to say about Harry. A few eyebrows were raised when Leeds sent him to us, but I think that was down to the relationship I’ve got with the lad and his family.
“He’s playing week in, week out and scoring goals. I’ve said all along, I think he’s going to be a top, top player – as the Leeds fans know and more of our fans now know.
“I’ve always said, if you’re good enough, you’re old enough.”
Gray is proving his detractors wrong
Leeds supporters raised questions over the decision to send Harry Gray on loan to a League One side fighting near the bottom of the table.
However, it has since become clear that the move was driven by Gray himself, with the teenager choosing to leave Leeds and selecting Rotherham United as the next stage of his development.
It was a brave decision that caught some fans off guard, with the young striker backing his own ability to make a difference at a struggling League One club.
Rotherham were finding goals hard to come by this season, with attacking returns limited against some of the division’s more physical defences.
However, Gray has made an impact and improved Rotherham’s attacking performances with his clever play and eye for a goal.
Leeds hope that the teenager will take major strides in his development before he returns to the club ahead of pre-season next summer.