Jack Clarke is set to retain his place in the Leeds United starting XI against Rotherham despite a “wasteful” display last weekend, according to the Yorkshire Evening Post.
The regional newspaper claim the winger, 18, is “in line to start” Saturday’s away fixture in what would be his fourth consecutive start, and third in the Championship.
The Yorkshire Evening Post report Marcelo Bielsa recognises Clarke as a member of his first team after extensive use of him as an impact substitute when he first broke into the senior set-up.
OPINION
Leeds fans will be relieved that Bielsa intends to stand by Clarke against relegation-threatened Rotherham. Managers often dump the youngsters before the experienced players after suffering an unexpected defeat. But, the teenager was as good as anyone in last weekend’s disappointing defeat at Stoke City. His pace and confidence from out wide has given a fresh dimension to the Leeds attack over the last six weeks, and enabled the club to cope better than expected with the abrupt exit of Samuel Saiz. Leeds are chronically short of attacking options, although it is telling that Clarke has now leapfrogged Tyler Roberts in the pecking order. At least, Izzy Brown is in line to be named on the substitute’s bench for the first time this weekend, while Patrick Bamford is on the comeback trail and Leeds are trying to sign Swansea City winger Daniel James. Most Leeds fans hope he will play alongside Clarke rather than replace him in the team.