Neil Redfearn says the Leeds United youngster is as tough as old boots.
Neil Redfearn has told Radio Yorkshire that Leeds United youngster Lewie Coyle is a “tough cookie” who is capable of playing in the first team next season.
The 21-year-old defender is impressing on loan at Fleetwood Town in League One after being deemed surplus to requirements this season.
The right-back has Gaetano Berardi and Luke Ayling ahead of him in the pecking order at Elland Road but Redfearn will know more than most what Coyle is capable of, having served as Leeds’ academy director from 2010 until 2015.
And the former Whites manager has shared an insight into the United prospect, saying he is one “tough cookie”.
Asked if Coyle can push for a spot in the Leeds team next season, Redfearn replied on Radio Yorkshire: “He is more than capable.
“He is getting exposure at that level and he is a tough character anyway. Sometimes players are loaned out to toughen them up in a man’s world, but let me tell you he is a tough cookie.
“He is as rugged as they get and he will revel in that.”
Leeds fans wouldn’t automatically associate him with being a ‘hard’ player, but toughness might run in the blood for Coyle, whose brother Tommy is a professional boxer.
His career at Elland Road isn’t on the ropes just yet, but if the Yorkshire club win promotion to the Premier League then you wonder if Coyle – contracted until 2020 – would still have a role to play at the club.
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