McDaid joined Leeds as a teenager but failed to make an impression.
McDaid (R).
Former Leeds United striker Robbie McDaid has told the Belfast Telegraph that he had trials with Aston Villa before making the jump to Elland Road as a teenager.
McDaid, now 22, is currently turning out for Glentoran after two frustrating years at Leeds where he failed to make even a single senior appearance. He was released in the summer of 2016.
Leeds pinched an 18-year-old McDaid from Glenavon in 2014, but he failed to live up to the hype and was loaned to National League sides Lincoln City and York City.
McDaid reflected on his move to Yorkshire back in 2014, and revealed that he had trials with Aston Villa and Reading as well as current Premier League clubs Southampton and Huddersfield Town.
“I didn’t think I would stay long at Glenavon. I had trials at Aston Villa, Southampton and Reading as well as Huddersfield Town who offered me a contract,” McDaid said.
“I impressed on trial [at Leeds] and the deal was done. Gary Hamilton never held me back, he wanted me to go and not have any regrets. My dad knew I needed to go to England in the best form, when the time was right.”
Leaving Leeds in 2016, McDaid has since made 40 appearances in all competitions for Glentoran, scoring 15 goals in 40 league and cup appearances. He has a contract at the club until the summer of 2020.
Villa are next in action on Friday night, as Dean Smith takes charge of his fourth match since replacing Steve Bruce with a clash against Bolton Wanderers at home.
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