Leeds winger Jordan Botaka scored against Hull City Under-21’s on Monday.
Leeds United winger Jordan Botaka has told LUTV that he is happy to play for the Under-21’s, and wants to score for the first team in the near future.
The DR Congo international, 22, joined Leeds from Dutch side Excelsior back on deadline day in September, and arrived with a reputation for being a flying winger with pace and trickery.
However, Botaka has only made seven appearances so far, mostly from the substitutes bench as he adjusts to life in English football.
On Monday, Botaka was sent to play for the Leeds Under-21 side away at Hull City, and he certainly made his mark as he scored Leeds’ goal in a 1-1 draw at the KC Stadium.
Speaking to LUTV after the game, Botaka stated that he is happy to play for the Under-21’s, because he doesn’t play very much for the first team, meaning he can keep his fitness levels up.
“Yes, of course,” said Botaka when asked whether he was happy to be playing in Paul Hart’s Under-21 side. “We are one big club, we are one big family. When I’m needed here, then I can’t refuse, because with the first team I don’t play that much, so for myself it’s also good.”
The goal he scored was his first for Leeds, and Botaka says that he is happy to have opened his account – and is now eyeing a goal for the Leeds first team at Elland Road.
“It’s my first goal for Leeds, in a Leeds shirt, so yes, I’m happy with it. Now I want to do it also at Elland Road,” he added, having hopefully impressed Steve Evans.
With the busy Christmas period coming up, Botaka will be hoping to earn a chance in the starting line-up, or make an impact as a substitute at the very least – and his goal against Hull on Monday was certainly a step in the right direction for the winger.
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