Paul Heckingbottom insists he won’t throw any Leeds United youngster into the team unless they earn their chance after the defeat to Middlesbrough on Friday night.

The game at the Riverside was seen as a must-win for the Whites in order to keep their season alive but they were comprehensively beaten 3-0.

It leaves the Yorkshire club eight points behind the top six with just 11 games to play and it prompted many fans to call for the younger players to be given a go.

However, journalist Phil Hay tweeted that Heckingbottom told the media ahead of the Wolves game that any opportunity for a youngster in the first-team would need to be earned through hard work.

“I wouldn't want to give opportunities away because it sends the wrong message. People need to earn it. You can undo lots of good work by putting people in for the sake of it.”

Many have called for the likes of Eunan O’Kane and particularly Felix Wiedwald to be dropped following several poor performances this season.

The Verdict

Heckingbottom is right in what he says, as nobody should get the chance to play for Leeds unless they merit an inclusion.

However, surely several of the younger players can’t be far away given how the first-team are playing? They aren't exactly earning their position in the side on current form.

It’s a tricky position for Heckingbottom to be in but he should show more faith in the youngsters as the senior players let him down on Friday and there really is little to lose.

Thoughts, Leeds fans? Let us know in the comments below.