Paul Heckingbottom has revealed that Tyler Denton was involved in Leeds United’s matchday 18 yesterday to make sure the Whites met their quota of homegrown players.  

Denton was selected ahead of Laurens De Bock on Leeds’ bench, with the youngster’s inclusion to meet the quota for homegrown players in the matchday 18, as reported by Phil Hay from the Yorkshire Evening Post.

De Bock, who started Leeds’ 2-2 draw with Derby County on Wednesday, was dropped completely out of the 18 yesterday, with academy graduate Denton taking up a place on the bench.

Denton was an unused substitute at Elland Road yesterday against Brentford, with Vurnon Anita taking up the left-back berth for the 90 minutes.

Liam Cooper’s first-half header secured all three points for Leeds, who recorded their first victory under Heckingbottom, which kept their slim play-off hopes alive heading into the final 12 fixtures of the season.

The Whites still sit 11th in the table, but cut the gap to the top-six to just five points, although that can be extended if Bristol City pick up anything from today’s contest with Cardiff City.

Heckingbottom’s side are back in action on Friday evening when they face Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium.

The Verdict  

Heckingbottom has moved to explain Leeds had a quota to meet, which justifies Denton’s selection, although there was certainly a case for the youngster to be given a chance over De Bock, who struggled at Derby.

Denton has only had a handful of first-team opportunities at Elland Road, but the youngster is clearly in Heckingbottom’s thoughts heading into the final stage of the season.

If Leeds’ play-off hopes continue to slide away from them, the left-back could be handed a chance to build on his opportunities. 

Leeds fans… Let us know your thoughts!