Leeds youngster Alex Purver says Ronaldo Vieira’s progress has helped give fellow youngsters more belief.
Leeds United manager Garry Monk
Leeds United youngster Alex Purver has talked up head coach Garry Monk’s willingness to give chances to young players.
Purver yesterday clinched a move on loan to non league side Guiseley, his second spell at the club this season.
Purver told BBC Radio Leeds that Monk felt it best for his development, and talked up the boost of seeing his former academy teammates starring for the first team.
He said: “It’s brilliant. I’ve played with Ronaldo Vieira, Lewie [Coyle], Ty [Denton]. I’ve come up in the academy with these guys, your watching your friends in the first team, it’s what everyone wanted to do and its great to see.
“It gives everyone around the place and the academy a real feeling that there is a pathway to the first team if you work hard and play well, that manager will put you in.”
Leeds United’s Ronaldo Vieira celebrates after the match
18-year-old Ronaldo Vieira has made 29 league appearances for Leeds this season, the seventh highest in the squad.
21-year-old Kalvin Phillips has featured 25 times, with Coyle making three appearances and Denton getting games in cup competition.
Purver is a 21-year-old midfielder and faces a tough challenge to break through at Leeds considering the competition for places.
He won the goal of the month competition in his last spell at Guiseley earlier this season, and if he can continue to progress, perhaps he will catch Garry Monk’s eye in pre-season.
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