These Leeds United fans have reacted to Phil Hay’s comments about youngster Oliver Casey’s first-team outing.
Casey managed to get his first couple of minutes off the bench against Huddersfield in a 2-0 win for Leeds. Marcelo Bielsa gave the 19-year-old five minutes of game time when the Englishman came on for Mateusz Klich in the 85th minute. The outing was Casey’s first Championship appearance this season.
Many of the fans shared their initial thoughts on the teenager and his short cameo, with one even suggesting that he saw a glimpse of Ben White in him.
Liked what Bielsa had to say about Casey yesterday. Was making the point that when he decides which kids to blood, he pays a lot of attention to how much the senior players respect them. Casey obviously meeting with approval.
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) December 8, 2019
It’s this attention to detail that makes MB such a great coach. I think it also shows the off the field leadership of Liam Cooper too. The integration of the youngsters is really outstanding
— WhiteHeart (@stevebandit) December 8, 2019
Thought Casey slotted I’m superbly well, his air of calm and confidence reminded me a lot of Ben White
— We Are Leeds (@WeAreLeeds1919) December 8, 2019
Looks special the boy
— #LUFC (@THEGAFFASOFFICE) December 8, 2019
Looked very calm when he came on yesterday, Tele opinion like
— Steven Ward (@SWard1975) December 8, 2019
Will Oliver Casey play in the next match?
Yes
No
These fans are clearly happy with the way Marcelo Bielsa implements youth. This is great news for both the fans and even more so, the players currently in the academy, as it gives them a realistic chance of first-team football at Championship level.
Send 1-2 on loan to us in Jan Ollie sarkic doing well one of our best players
— tom jarvis (@TomBAFCjarvo) December 9, 2019
If he has half the talent that white has we’re on to a winner
— Ron (@ronaallleeds) December 8, 2019
What Do We Think?
Casey will be thrilled to have finally got some first-team minutes, however, it’s now important that the 19-year-old kicks on and doesn’t lose the hunger that got him there. Many of the other academy players will now be thinking that they too can get some game time in the Championship, with Bielsa showing he’s not afraid to throw youngsters in at any time, especially whilst they continue their quest for Premier League football next season.