OPINION
Leeds United’s 100 per cent start to the new season came to an end as they dropped points in their 2-2 draw at Swansea on Tuesday night.
But there was much to satisfy the supporters as they reflected upon a thrilling match in which their team twice came from behind to secure a share of the points.
One of those was the performance of Jamie Shackleton in what was his first league start for the club he joined as a schoolboy.
The 18-year-old has been fast-tracked into the first team squad by Marcelo Bielsa and slotted into right-back at the Liberty Stadium, as Luke Ayling moved across to partner Gaetano Berardi in the centre of defence.
Shackleton rose to the occasion against a lively Swansea attack, in what was a courageous effort after his late call-up following the withdrawal of Liam Cooper during the warm-ups.
His defensive play was not perfect but he was impressive going forward and made a huge contribution to Kemar Roofe’s goal with some delightful play inside the box.
https://twitter.com/LUFCHD/status/1032187549975019520
Not bad for a central midfielder making his first league start and just his third career appearance.
Shackleton is justifying the hype in his talent after first coming to widespread notice among the Leeds fanbase two years ago when ex-manager Neil Redfearn hailed him as a star-in-waiting.
Redfearn, who also was academy director from 2010 to 2015, named Shackleton as someone who could rise through the ranks and make it at first-team level.
He told Radio Yorkshire: “There’s a little boy, a midfield player called Jamie Shackleton. I think he’s got a great chance.
“I think he’s a good footballer, he’s got great feet. He’s not the biggest, but he’s very tenacious. He reads the game well.”
Redfearn certainly knows his onions, and his prediction about Shackleton’s potential is looking scarily spot on.
There will be plenty of hurdles for the teenager to overcome as he looks to establish himself at Leeds, but he is certainly made a brilliant start.