Former Leeds United striker praises youngster.
Leeds United youngster Paudie O’Connor made his second start for the club last night against Preston.
It did not end well with Leeds slipping to a 3-1 defeat.
Former Leeds striker Noel Whelan was complimentary about O’Connor’s performance, and believes the young defender shows real promise.
But he warned that there are so many problems around Leeds’ team right now, that not too much can be expected from the Irishman.
Whelan told BBC Radio Leeds: “I saw a lot of positives from O’Connor, where he was pushing them u and taking responsiblity.
“He was confident and believes in himself, he was a good positive, but he also needs help.”
O’Connor’s centre-back partner Pontus Jansson went off with injury midway through the second half, and Leeds had to call on youngster Hugo Diaz to make his debut.
Diaz was signed last summer after his release from Deportivo, and he has made steady progress for the under-23s.
At least one of the pair are likely to be needed against Aston Villa on Friday, and it will be a tough test.
O’Connor is showing promise, but Leeds struggles risk denting his confidence, even if they don’t have many options right now.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
