Mark Smith

Sat 8 February 2020 8:00, UK

By Mark Smith at Bootham Crescent

There was excitement in York when the two teams were announced, with Leeds United under-23s having a number of first-team faces to choose from for their clash with Derby County.

Carlos Corberan had selected Kalvin Phillips, Barry Douglas, Ian Poveda, and Jean-Kevin Augustin as the Whites looked to avenge the 7-1 defeat from the reverse fixture.

It was Augustin that many had their eye on though, with some still shocked that he didn’t feature at all in the matchday squad against Wigan.

The Frenchman had to settle for minutes in Monday’s under-23 draw against Sheffield Wednesday instead, where he failed to impress.

Friday was another chance for him to prove to Marcelo Bielsa that he was ready for the Championship, with the manager still uncertain whether he needs to protect his fitness since arriving on loan from RB Leipzig.

Augustin looked tonnes sharper and highlighted what a week of training at Thorp Arch can do to a player. Although he wasn’t still at full-throttle, his confidence was growing – he even attempted a shot from the half-way line.

What impressed us more looking on was his improved workrate. Augustin was consistently putting the Derby defence under pressure and started to tease fans of how close he looks to full fitness.

Bielsa will have a choice to make soon if Patrick Bamford continues to disappoint, but one thing for certain is that the 26-year-old will start against Nottingham Forest.

It is unclear whether or not Augustin has proved himself to be ready to feature off the bench, only time will tell. If it doesn’t happen at the City Ground it will almost certainly come against Brentford only days after in midweek.

One thing is for sure, Augustin is closing in on his debut and if this is him at only 75%, there could be a lot to look forward to between now and the end of the season.

In other Leeds United news, here are our MOT Leeds News player ratings from the 2-1 defeat at Bootham Crescent