David Prutton has backed Bailey Peacock-Farrell to be Leeds United’s No.1 next season, after the goalkeeper’s impressive first-team impact.
With both Felix Wiedwald and Andy Lonergan failing to impress at Elland Road during the 2017/18 campaign, Peacock-Farrell was handed the goalkeeping gloves during the final 11 fixtures of the season.
As Leeds struggled to a 13th place finish in the Championship, Peacock-Farrell impressed, producing a number of assured performances in goal.
The 21-year-old’s impact has led to an international call-up, with Peacock-Farrell set to be part of the Northern Ireland squad this summer.
Writing in his column for the Yorkshire Evening Post, Prutton has backed Peacock-Farrell to start next season as Leeds’ first choice goalkeeper, urging the Whites to give the youngster an opportunity.
Prutton wrote: “To my mind, pre-season – assuming Wiedwald moves on – should be an open battle between Peacock-Farrell, Lonergan and whichever keeper comes in.
“It should be a fair fight in which the player who performs best gets the nod. But Peacock-Farrell should start out as the one who the other pair need to displace.
“If he comes back in the same mood, with the same attitude, the same form and the same composure then I honestly feel that Leeds need to back him.”
According to the YEP, Leeds are likely to recruit a new goalkeeper this summer, with the Whites alerted to David Stockdale’s potential availability.
Reports have suggested that Garry Monk will allow Stockdale to leave in the summer, despite the 32-year-old goalkeeper playing a crucial role at St Andrew’s over the last 12 months.
The Verdict
Prutton brings up a very good argument on Peacock-Farrell, who was a shining light for Leeds during the second-half of the season.
Leeds need to offer Peacock-Farrell a chance to compete for the No.1 spot next season as his performances deserve that.
However, if a player of Stockdale’s calibre arrives, it will be very hard for the 21-year-old to stay in the starting XI, with someone like Stockdale sure to demand a starting berth.
Leeds fans… Let us know your thoughts!