Could Leeds’ Conor Shaughnessy now have golden opportunity?

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Conor Shaughnessy now appears to be in a fantastic spot in the Leeds United pecking order.

While everything seems to be going to plan on the pitch for Leeds right now, Marcelo Bielsa would be forgiven for being slightly nervous about the state of his squad heading into the busy Christmas period.

The Whites are top of the table and were superb for much of their 2-1 win over Wigan Athletic on Sunday. But Bielsa’s men have suffered so many injury setbacks this term that it seems highly unlikely that Jack Clarke will be the last academy starlet to force his way into the first-team plans before the campaign concludes.

It is in defence that Leeds look particularly vulnerable when it comes to options. Gaetano Berardi and Luke Ayling are both sidelined for lengthy periods so that leaves the Elland Road faithful crossing everything that Pontus Jansson and Liam Cooper stay fit and suspension free for as long as possible.

It is a big ask when Leeds face nine games before the turn of the year. So while Kalvin Phillips and maybe even Adam Forshaw may come into Bielsa’s thinking if he needs to replace either Jansson or Cooper, perhaps this period of the season could prove to be the opening that Conor Shaughnessy needs.

Shaughnessy has only featured once this term and hardly covered himself in glory as Preston North End knocked Leeds out of the Carabao Cup at Elland Road.

But the youngster has been a key player for the under-23s – who had been enjoying an excellent season before Monday’s defeat to Crewe – and seems to be the obvious option to sit behind Jansson and Cooper in the pecking order for the time-being.

Shaughnessy showed some real promise last season and has the potential to be a member of the first-team squad on a regular basis in future. But he arguably cannot afford to not take advantage of any chances that come his way.

And given the number of setbacks that Leeds’ defence have already dealt with, it should probably surprise no-one if the 22-year-old is given another opportunity to impress at some stage in the very near future.