OPINION
Leeds youngster Matthew Pennington is likely to be presented with a huge opportunity to impress when his side begin their Championship campaign away to Bolton.
Thomas Christiansen begins his reign as Whites boss with a trip to Bolton on Sunday afternoon and only has two senior centre-backs in his squad.
The Yorkshire giants are without talisman Pontus Jansson, who will miss the first two games of the season through suspension.
That leaves Liam Cooper and loanee Pennington as the most likely combination at the heart of defence, despite the fact that Luke Ayling can be used as an emergency centre-back.
Pennington completed a season-long loan move to Elland Road this summer from Premier League side Everton and will be looking to cement a regular first-team spot.
It is a huge chance at the weekend to show he can make a big impact in the Championship and could be omitted from the starting XI in the long run if he fails to deliver on his debut.
Jansson is set to come back into the team when available and Cooper may have the initial advantage of experience and familiarity around the club.
Pennington has made nine senior appearances for Everton and is a highly-rated defender at Goodison Park, but is yet to really rest himself fully at a high level.
He has spent time with Coventry, Tranmere Rovers and Walsall in the past in League One, but this will be his greatest test during his career so far.
The centre-back is recognised for his ability on the ball and his big physical presence, which could make him a success at Leeds.
However, a good start to ease the nerves is essential for him and the Bolton clash could have big repercussions on how his loan spell pans out.