Bailey Peacock-Farrell is Leeds United’s current number one and is threatening to take the same role for his country.
In comments reported by the Belfast Telegraph, Northern Ireland under-21 boss Ian Baraclough has lauded Bailey Peacock-Farrell’s form for Leeds and suggested that the Whites stopper should act as an example to all of the youngsters hoping to break into Michael O’Neill’s side.
Peacock-Farrell has gone from being one of Leeds’ many under-23 goalkeeper options to establishing himself as the number one for the league leaders in the Championship, and he is threatening to secure a similar role at international level.
The youngster made his first start for Northern Ireland’s senior side in their 2-1 defeat to Bosnia-Herzegovina at the weekend. And Baraclough – who was only able to hand the goalkeeper one cap before he was summoned into O’Neill’s ranks – suggested that he should inspire the rest of his current squad.
“We have some very good goalkeepers coming through. Michael has taken Bailey who has now made his senior debut. He did unbelievably well for Leeds at the tail end of last season and so far this season has been excellent,” said Baraclough, as reported by the Belfast Telegraph. “He is beginning to come of age for a top team like Leeds, who are going well in the Championship, and for a demanding manager like Marcelo Bielsa to be putting him in week in, week out as well, that’s fantastic.
“The likes of Conor Mitchell and Conor Hazard are also very good keepers. Conor Mitchell has played most of our games, six out of the seven qualifiers, and Connor Hazard has been with the seniors already as well. That’s the aim for all of the lads, to do well enough for the Under-21s and at club level like Bailey to get the call from Michael. These boys are getting recognition for hard work.”
It is a remarkable turnaround from the goalkeeper. The talent has always been there, but it appeared that he may be edging towards becoming a player destined to never realise his full potential.
It was less than a year ago that he was loaned out to York City having been rejected by Oldham Athletic in the summer, but he has taken his first-team opportunity with both hands.
Jamal Blackman has a Champions League winner’s medal on his CV and he currently cannot break into the Leeds team ahead of Peacock-Farrell. His job now is to handle the pressure with both club and country seemingly raising their expectations regarding his performances.
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