The Leeds United youngster is back but will struggle for game time this season.
Leeds United fielded a much-changed side for their FA Cup third round clash against Cambridge United on Monday evening, but it was the arrival of a half-time substitute that was arguably the most telling.
Lewie Coyle was enjoying his breakthrough at Elland Road prior to an injury setback. However his 45-minute appearance this week means he is back and ready to kick on.
The problem is, Leeds have Luke Ayling and Gaetano Berardi also fighting for a starting spot at right-back, and if all three are fit and available, Coyle is surely third in line.
In the long term the 21-year-old is expected to become the undisputed number one in that area, but for now he has a few decisions to make, not least whether to remain at Leeds for the rest of this season or try his hand elsewhere to build up his match fitness and further his experience.
Leeds manager Garry Monk will have the final say, and given his decision to bring on Coyle for Berardi against Cambridge in light of the latter’s yellow card, there could still be chances for the youngster in the short term.
The problem is, with no emergency loan window this season, Coyle will know he has just three more weeks to either commit to the season with Leeds or head out on loan to be more than a bit-part player.
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