OPINION
Leeds United are facing a real defensive crisis as they prepare to host Sunderland in the Championship on Sunday, but the manager should continue with his recent policy of trusting in youth.
Paul Heckingbottom should throw young defender Paudie O’Connor into the starting XI for his first ever senior Whites appearance.
The Yorkshire giants are without captain Liam Cooper and Matthew Pennington was forced off injured in the recent 2-0 defeat to Fulham.
Leeds can afford to throw in some fresh faces as they are neither getting promoted or relegated, which should open the door for another rising star.
O’Connor has been in brilliant form for the Under-23s side and is a no-nonsense centre-back that deserves an opportunity.
He is a great aerial threat and should get the chance to make a real impression on Heckingbottom’s first team.
Senior Leeds defender Pontus Jansson has spoke out about O’Connor prior to the Sunderland match and given him a big vote of confidence.
“Really good. He (O’Connor) has confidence. A bit like me when I was young, wants to take risks with the ball, which is good,” Jansson said, as quoted by Leeds Live.
“If he plays I will take responsibility. It is time to see if those are ready for the Championship.”
O’Connor would have the benefit of having Jansson alongside him if promoted to the senior starting line up and a clash at Elland Road against Sunderland would be a great learning curve.
The 20-year-old has previous experience in Ireland with Limerick and Heckingbottom should find out if he has the quality to perform in the Championship after impressing at youth level.