The Leeds United midfielder has been impressing in the youth ranks.
In a recent interview with Radio Yorkshire, former Leeds United manager Neil Redfearn tipped 16-year-old Jamie Shackleton as one to watch at Elland Road.
The former Whites boss knows a thing or two about spotting and nurturing young talent, so when he singles a certain player out for praise it is worth paying attention.
Such is Shackleton’s stature that here at HITC we questioned whether he could ultimately go the same way as another teenager tipped for greatness in the form of Chris Dawson. However one of our readers – who has been watching the youngster’s development closely – felt there would be no such problem.
In fact, they went so far as to say that in Shackleton Leeds could have a player in the mould of Billy Bremner and Johnny Giles.
If that proves to be the case, Leeds fans are in for a treat when Shackleton ultimately breaks into the first-team, and if he shares similar traits to the two Whites legends it is no surprise he caught Redfearn’s attention.
After all, there are plenty of exciting young players at Elland Road right now and yet the former Leeds boss focused on the 16-year-old.
Bremner and Giles were both diminutive players but they more than made up for it with their strength and their skill, going down as club legends after a combined 970 appearances for Leeds.
Shackleton has a very long way to go, but he will be all too aware of the club’s history and the need for a superstar midfielder who can help bring the glory days back to Elland Road.
With thanks to ‘Exasperated’ for the article idea.
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