Leeds United are likely to start with Kalvin Phillips and Ronaldo Vieira in midfield later this evening.
Leeds have had very little to be positive about since Heckingbottom took charge, with results taking a turn for the words.
But he insists that he seen that both Vieira and Phillips have improved in recent weeks.
“I’ve seen a good improvement in Ronny and Kalvin in the last few weeks, which is good and necessary, and we want more improvement for next season,” Heckingbottom said.
“They have 50, 100 games each so all of a sudden they are our experienced players, so let’s put a bit [of responsibility] on their shoulders and see how they cope.”
Phillips and Vieira have been tasked wth handling more responsibility over the coming weeks, as Leeds’ have lost so many of their experienced players to injury.
Phillips and Vieira are now two of the Leeds players with the most knowledge of Championship football, despite their tender years.
It seems likely that the duo will both start in central midfield later tonight, when Leeds take on Aston Villa.
The Whites go into the contest as underdogs, with Villa making a late push for automatic promotion.
Leeds, meanwhile, will move up to 12th place in the Championship table, if they can pick up the three points this evening.
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