Paul Heckingbottom has been discussing his decision to include Ryan Edmondson in Leeds United’s travelling squad against Norwich City on Saturday afternoon.  

The 16-year-old striker travelled with Leeds’ first-team to Carrow Road on Saturday, taking part in the warm-up but missing out on selection in Heckingbottom’s matchday 18.

Edmondson has played a key part for Leeds’ under-18s since his arrival from York City earlier in the season, but the prolific striker was suspended from their clash with Charlton Athletic at the weekend.

A ban that Leeds felt was undeserved, led to Heckingbottom lifting the teenager’s spirits by including him in the travelling party heading to Norwich.

Discussing his thought process with the Yorkshire Evening Post, Heckingbottom said: “He got the experience, he saw what it was like and he’ll be better for it.

“I’ve spoken about him in the past and in the week I wasn’t going to put him (in the travelling squad) but he was wrongly sent off in an 18s game and suspended for their big game.

“He was down and upset and it was a good moment to bring him with us as a reward for him doing so well.”

Jay-Roy Grot, Pierre-Michel Lasogga and Caleb Ekuban were preferred on the bench to Edmondson, with Kemar Roofe leading the line for Leeds at Carrow Road.

The Whites took a lead through Kalvin Phillips’ volley, but goals from Wes Hoolahan and Josh Murphy secured a 2-1 victory for the Canaries.

Edmondson will be pushing for a first-team chance on the final day of the season, when Leeds take on Queens Park Rangers at Elland Road.

The Verdict  

Leeds’ supporters will have been delighted to see Edmondson amongst the travelling party on Saturday, given the fantastic reputation he is building in the academy.

Many would prefer to see Edmondson in the squad over the likes of Grot and Lasogga in particular.

The 16-year-old’s rapid emergence is indicating that he has a huge future ahead of him.

Leeds fans… Let us know your thoughts!