Impressive Leeds United prospect eyeing first-team chance under Heckingbottom

Tom Pearce is eyeing promotion to the Leeds United first-team under Paul Heckingbottom, after flirting with a senior debut during Thomas Christiansen’s final days at Elland Road.

According to a report from Leeds Live, Pearce is hoping to break into the first-team under Heckingbottom between now and the end of the season, after impressing for Leeds’ development squad recently.

The left-sided player, who is naturally a left-back but can also play further forward, impressed recently against Nottingham Forest for Leeds’ under-23 side, scoring a fantastic individual goal in a 5-1 victory over the Reds.

???? | The goals keep coming at Thorp Arch, and it's another great run by Tom Pearce and this time he finds the net to make it 5-1

Updates ➡️ https://t.co/5PsLvHevFV pic.twitter.com/MJSynd7VfT

— Leeds United (@LUFC) February 9, 2018

The 19-year-old was already in the thought process of Christiansen before his sacking at Elland Road, having featured as an unused substitute in the Dane’s final two fixtures in-charge, which came against Hull City and Cardiff City.

Although Christiansen never put his faith in Pearce, or fellow youngster, Romario Vieira, the teenager is eyeing a shot at first-team football before the season is out.

Heckingbottom, who has been at Elland Road little over a week, has arrived at Elland Road with a track record of producing exciting young talent from his time with Barnsley.

Leeds have 15 fixtures of the Sky Bet Championship season remaining, starting with Sunday’s clash against Bristol City.

The Verdict

Pearce is earning himself a magnificent reputation in Leeds’ academy and was seemingly on the brink of first-team football before Heckingbottom’s arrival.

Should Leeds be left with nothing but pride to play for before the end of the season, there is every chance Heckingbottom will take a look at what is available to him in the academy.

Pearce is certainly the standout candidate to step into the first-team from the under-23 squad.

Leeds fans… Let us know your thoughts!