Jack Clarke and Tom Pearce are seemingly on the verge of a first-team debut for Leeds United, with Paul Heckingbottom confirming that the duo have been training with his squad ahead of Sunday’s clash with Bristol City.  

Lee Sobot of the Yorkshire Evening Post has been reporting from Heckingbottom’s press conference, confirming that both Clarke and Pearce have trained with the first-team this morning, although he would not hand Leeds debuts to the duo unless they were earned.

Clarke signed his first professional contract with Leeds earlier this season, with the young striker agreeing a deal at Elland Road until the summer of 2021, committing his long-term future to the Whites.

Whilst Clarke is yet to get a recent sniff of first-team football, his 19-year-old teammate, Pearce, is edging closer, having been involved in Thomas Christiansen’s final two Championship squads before Heckingbottom replaced him.

Pearce was an unused substitute against both Hull City and Cardiff City, alongside Romario Vieira, the brother of regular starter, Ronaldo Vieira.

Heckingbottom’s side enter this weekend’s fixtures in 11th, eight points adrift of the top-six.

The Verdict

Heckingbottom has a record of promoting young players from the academy, and Clarke and Pearce are certainly two that should be pushing Leeds’ first-team.

Pearce seems closest to a call-up to the first-team at Elland Road, but whether this weekend is the right time to hand the teenager a debut is certainly up for debate.

The Whites need a result this weekend after a shocking run of form.

Let us know your thoughts!