Ryan Edmondson came off the bench to make his Leeds debut against QPR on Sunday.
Leeds United legend Eddie Gray has told LUTV that he was impressed with young striker Ryan Edmondson after he came off the bench to make his debut in the Whites’ 2-0 win over QPR on Sunday.
Paul Heckingbottom earned just his fourth win in charge of the Whites over Ian Holloway’s side at Elland Road, thanks to two superb efforts from Kemar Roofe and Kalvin Phillips.
Roofe put Leeds into the lead in the first half with a close-ranger overhead kick, before Phillips drove home a left-footed effort from 25 yards out. Edmondson came on to the field after 74 minutes, replacing goalscorer Roofe.
The youngster had a chance to find the back of the net after good work from Gjanni Alioski, though his effort was deflected over. He also picked up a yellow card in the 81st minute, but former Leeds boss Gray was impressed with his instinct.
“It would have been great if the young centre-forward [Edmondson] has stuck it in the net,” Gray said. “He hits it really well, think it’s goalward bound, but it takes a slight deflection and goes over the top.
“I think he will have thought himself that he was going to score on his debut. The good thing he did, as well, was when Alioski got to the dead-ball line, he pulled away from the defenders. He got himself into a good position.
“He can consider himself unlucky not to score on his debut.”
Edmondson was given the chance to shine by Heckingbottom after impressing in Carlos Corberan’s Under-23 side, despite being aged just 16. He joined the Whites in November 2017 from York City.
The powerful centre-forward turns 17 later this month, and is sure to have a bright future ahead of him as Heckingbottom continues to give a whole host of youngsters a chance to shine.
The likes of Bailey Peacock-Farrell, Hugo Diaz, Paudie O’Connor, and Tom Pearce have also been used by the former Barnsley boss during his short stint in charge.
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