Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa could well start Jamie Shackleton in the play-off semi-final later this evening.
Shackleton has only had limited opportunities at Leeds this term, but when he has been selected the 19-year-old has looked at home in Marcelo Bielsa’s first-team.
The Leeds academy graduate was thrown in at the deep end at the weekend, as injuries forced him to come on in the Whites’ play-off semi-final, but he coped well.
Leeds won 1-0 at Derby County in the first-leg to give themselves an advantage in the tie.
Shackleton is now expected to start for Leeds tonight with Adam Forshaw out with injury.
And Cooper insists that the prospect has what it takes to perform on the big occasion.
“He’s an amazing young man, down to earth, just wants to come in every day with a smile on his face and work hard,” he said.
“He deserves to be in the team, he deserves to play well because we see how hard he trains everyday. I thought he was a different class on Saturday. Hopefully for him, he stays in the team, but if he doesn’t, he’ll still be the same boy.”
Leeds have beaten Derby all three times that they have met this season, and if they avoid defeat again then they will be playing at Wembley.
The winner of Leeds and Derby’s clash will take on Aston Villa in two weekends’ time.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
