Leeds United continue their EFL Cup campaign this week with a trip to Turf Moor.
Leeds United have significantly strengthened their senior side this season but they have also worked wonders with their under-23 team, bringing in a host of talent from across Europe as they bid to build for the future at Elland Road.
One player who was already in place was centre-back Paudie O’Connor, and the young Irishman could get a call up to the match day squad for Leeds’ upcoming EFL Cup clash, with many of the Whites’ defensive options unavailable.
Pontus Jansson and Liam Cooper look set to be out of the game against Burnley while Matthew Pennington is unlikely to return before Saturday at the earliest, leaving Conor Shaughnessy to partner either Luke Ayling or Cameron Borthwick-Jackson in the heart of Leeds’ defence.
As a result, there should be at least one space on the bench for a young defender and, given his pre-season performances and his inclusion in the earlier round against Newport County, O’Connor looks the most likely option.
Still only 20, the Leeds defender has experience of playing first-team football, turning out 39 times for Limerick as a teenager – and scoring three goals in the process.
Leeds boss Thomas Christiansen will be hoping not to get any more injuries to his back line with the matches coming thick and fast. However he will need cover on the bench and it looks like being a straight fight between O’Connor and Paul McKay for that role.
Given Shaughnessy’s swift elevation, his young teammates will be excited about the prospect of following him into the senior side sooner rather than later.
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