Harry Gray closer to Premier League debut at Leeds United after latest announcement
Leeds wonder Harry Gray was an unused substitute in the 3-1 victory against Wolves, but the buzz surrounding the teenage prodigy refuses to die down.
Daniel Farke has refused to answer more questions about Gray, such is the media’s insistence on pressing the Leeds boss about whether the 16-year-old will be used in the Premier League.
Only last week, Farke insisted that Gray needed more time to develop before seeing first-team action.
However, a strategic move from Leeds’ most recent academy game suggests that Gray might be moving closer toward a Premier League appearance.
Harry Gray left out of Leeds under-21 match despite being fit to play
Gray has been a regular fixture in Leeds’ under-21 squad this season, recently netting a hat-trick in a cup match against Scunthorpe United.
However, the striker was left out of the team for the fixture against Crystal Palace on Monday.
Gray isn’t injured or suspended, so his absence is a result of Farke possibly wanting him fit enough to feature for the first team again.
Gray made his senior Leeds debut in the 6-0 victory against Stoke last season, but that remains his only first-team appearance.
There’s a lot more optimism surrounding Leeds’ attack after thrilling display against Wolves
Before the win against Wolves, Leeds’ main concern was their lack of firepower.
However, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Anton Stach and Noah Okafor all notching their first Leeds goals, there’s a lot more optimism regarding the attack.
Calvert-Lewin put in an all-action display leading the line and capped off the performance with a trademark header to equalise after Wolves went ahead. He will surely be the first-choice striker for as long as he remains fit.
However, with Lukas Nmecha battling fitness and questions remaining about Joel Piroe’s ability at the highest level, it makes sense that Farke might want Gray on his substitutes’ bench.
In a perfect world, he’ll be introduced in a low-pressure match when Leeds are leading comfortably. However, that’s not always the way it goes. Injuries can strike at any time at the highest level.
Either way, Gray will do all that he can to remain prepared should he be required to take to the field, and that may be closer than ever right now.
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