Noel Whelan has backed Ryan Edmondson to make an impact if he gets a chance for Leeds United this season.
Noel Whelan has told BBC Radio Leeds (broadcast on 17/8 from 17:00) that he would like to see Ryan Edmondson given a chance in the Leeds first-team at some stage this season as he could bring something different to the table.
Edmondson has not featured for Marcelo Bielsa’s side since last season’s defeat at home against Birmingham at Elland Road. He had been prolific for the under-23s throughout the campaign, but he looks destined to remain a prominent figure in Carlos Corberan’s side this term.
Patrick Bamford has started the season in fine form and Leeds brought in Eddie Nketiah on loan on transfer deadline day. The likes of Jack Harrison and Helder Costa can also be used up front if required.
Nevertheless, Whelan suggested that Edmondson could be worth taking a chance on at some stage this season, and predicted that he will probably be involved at some point.
“I’d like to see him introduced as well,” he told BBC Radio Leeds. “I think it’s a different dimension that he could bring to the Leeds United team. While you’ve got such a bare squad at times, I’m sure he will be used at some point in the season. I’d like to see him as well.”
While Leeds fans are excited about the 18-year-old’s potential and are willing him to force his way into the first-team fold, they would likely be very happy if he is not needed this season.
Bamford has three goals already and Nketiah looked extremely bright on his Leeds debut away at Salford City in the Carabao Cup. Bielsa would probably like to leave Edmondson where he is while he is developing nicely.
But of course, with the luck Leeds had with injuries last year, it would not be a huge surprise if Edmondson did have to make a temporary jump in the pecking order at some stage.
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