Is Heckingbottom making smart play with Jack Clarke comments?

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Jack Clarke is undoubtedly pushing for a chance in the Leeds United first-team, but Paul Heckingbottom is not getting carried away.

With just one win coming since he arrived earlier in the year, it seems fair to say that Paul Heckingbottom has endured a difficult start trying to prove to the sceptical Leeds supporters that he is the right man to take the club forward after Thomas Christiansen’s tenure.

One thing that Heckingbottom has received credit for is his willingness to hand some of the brightest academy prospects their chance in the first-team, with Bailey Peacock-Farrell and Tom Pearce coming into the side since his arrival.

And after a stunning display in the under-23 win over Cardiff City last week, it appears a safe bet to suggest that Jack Clarke will be the next player to be given his chance. The winger was sensational, providing two assists and handing the opposition right-back a nightmare afternoon.

It appears inevitable that a first-team chance will come this season, and for many, Friday’s game against Bolton presents the ideal opportunity to give the 17-year-old the chance to shine.

However, in comments reported by Leeds Live, Heckingbottom has seemingly looked to play down the likelihood of Clarke’s debut coming as early as this week.

“Possibly, yes, possibly,” he responded, as reported by Leeds Live, when asked if he was set to be the next youngster to make his first-team debut.

“Jack’s got a lot of competition in front of him, though, in terms of the role he plays in a team and his position.”

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the comments did not go down well with a number of supporters who are desperate to see the teenager given a chance as they feel that Heckingbottom is wrong to suggest that he has competition for a place.

But perhaps, Heckingbottom is actually playing a blinder by trying to dampen expectations by not getting carried away publicly regarding Clarke’s potential.

There is going to be plenty of excitement around the club when Clarke does get his chance, and that could quite easily turn itself into pressure – especially when the same academy has had so much success in the past, and saw a member of its alumni make their England debut this week.

If this is an intentional attempt to get the fans discussing his comments rather than Clarke making his debut, this may be a brilliant move if his first-team bow comes on Friday.

It remains to be seen however, whether Heckingbottom is trying to create the perfect circumstances for Clarke to make his debut in, or he genuinely believes that his place in the pecking order is not as high as the fans feel it should be.

One thing the head coach must perhaps consider though is that he will not receive any criticism if he rewards Clarke with a chance. He should expect a lot of flak however, if the winger is overlooked in favour of those who have been disappointing this term.