Leeds United: Graham Smyth moots new Archie Gray decision for Swansea City showdown
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke may be set to hand Connor Roberts his full Whites debut in place of Archie Gray against Swansea City, according to Graham Smyth.
The Welshman came off the bench for the final 15 minutes of Leeds’ 3-0 win over Rotherham United on Saturday (10 February) to make his Elland Road bow as goals from Patrick Bamford and Crysencio Summerville proved decisive.
While Archie Gray once again impressed at right-back against the Millers, Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Smyth expects Roberts to get the nod over the Welshman against Swansea on Tuesday (13 February) as Farke looks to avoid “tiredness”.
Writing for the Yorkshire Evening Post (12 February) he said: “Gray was excellent again at right-back on Saturday against Rotherham United and the only reason you could see him coming out of the side is through tiredness.
“Maybe it’s time for a rest and if so, Connor Roberts could and may well come in for a full debut.”
Connor Roberts set for full Leeds United debut
It was clear before the transfer window even opened that Farke could do with another fullback at Leeds United to add some depth to his squad, but it was never obvious that the new arrival would be guaranteed first-team football at Elland Road.
Gray’s incredible performances on the right of the back four have blown away pundits and supporters alike and the 17-year-old has been a complete revelation this season, managing to go from strength to strength under Farke’s management.
However, the teenager has already played 33 matches this season in all competitions and Tuesday may be the perfect opportunity to hand Gray a break, especially after Roberts looked fairly comfortable in his cameo against Rotherham.
Farke’s side have found themselves well and truly in the mix for the automatic promotion places and they’re going to need all their players fit and motivated to maintain this form throughout the remainder of the season.
Resting and rotating the side is a key part of that and that should see Roberts start on Tuesday.
In other Leeds United news, Georginio Rutter suffered a new injury scare during the Whites’ clash with Ipswich Town
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