Paul Heckingbottom has warned Jack Clarke that he faces plenty of competition if he is to break into Leeds United’s starting XI in the coming weeks.

Clarke continues to impress for Leeds’ under-23s, producing some excellent performances in recent weeks, as the club’s development squad excel, whilst the first-team at Elland Road continue to struggle.

Leeds’ head-coach has already placed faith in Bailey Peacock-Farrell and Tom Pearce during his short time at Elland Road, with further calls for Clarke to be included after some impressive performances on the left side of midfield.

Heckingbottom has moved to discuss Clarke’s potential involvement, and when asked by Leeds Live if the 17-year-old could potentially take the step into the first-team, the 40-year-old gave a detailed response:

“Possibly, yes, possibly. Jack’s got a lot of competition in front of him, though, in terms of the role he plays in a team and his position.

“He’s been performing well, so yes, he’s one that the club have to manage properly.

“We have to keep challenging him in the right way, but still provide support and there’ll come a time when he’s dipped into it and he realises how hard it is to get past the players in his position in the first-team.”

Clarke came close to a debut under Thomas Christiansen and was included on the bench in the FA Cup third round defeat to Newport County earlier in 2018, but has since progressed for the under-23s.

Leeds moved to secure the forward’s future on a long-term contract earlier in the season, with Clarke agreeing professional terms with the Whites until the summer of 2021.

The Verdict

Clarke is impressing at Leeds and is earning himself a good reputation, which is leading to Heckingbottom facing questions over the teenager’s involvement in the coming weeks.

Whilst Clarke is impressing, Heckingbottom already has two very young players in his starting XI and he could be holding Clarke back for a time when his side are more settled and on a better run of form.

However, if Clarke, and others like Sam Dalby, continue to impress, it could be very hard for Heckingbottom to ignore them for much longer.

Leeds fans… Let us know your thoughts!

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