Charlie Crew update emerges as Leeds United Under-18s prepare for FA Youth Cup final
Leeds United midfielder Charlie Crew could be the subject of a tug-of-war between their under-18 side and the first team, ahead of crucial matches for both this weekend.
The Yorkshire Evening Post reported that Leeds United under-18’s head coach Rob Etherington is hoping he’ll be able to play Crew against Manchester City in the FA Youth Cup Final on 10 May.
That’s because the 17-year-old may be needed as part of Daniel Farke’s matchday squad, when the Peacocks face Norwich City at Carrow Road in the first leg of the Championship play-off semi-finals.
On Crew, who has appeared on Leeds’ first-team bench three times this season, Nicholson said: “We are a top academy and always have been, and we’ve always produced football players. I think we’ll wait and see on Charlie.”
He conceded that: “If players are required for first team duty then that ultimately is our job and our responsibility.
“If Charlie is involved with the first team or if he is not then we’re winning both ways really.”
Leeds senior side should let Charlie Crew play v Manchester City
Leeds United have had their fair share of first-team injuries lately, but you’d expect Daniel Farke to be hoping that he doesn’t need to call on the services of Crew in this weekend’s play-off match against Norwich.
That’s nothing against the 17-year-old Welshman’s ability of course – but it would ensure he’s free to play for the young Whites against a heavily-favoured Manchester City side.
Hosted at the Etihad Stadium – essentially making it a home game for the Citizens – this Friday’s decider will be the first time since 1997 that Leeds have come this close to lifting the FA Youth Cup.
Crew, who is one of the club’s highest-rated players and expected to follow a similar path to that of Archie Gray’s rise into the first team, would therefore be key for Nicholson’s side if they’re to have any chance of defeating City.
With Ethan Ampadu, Glen Kamara, Jamie Shackleton, Ilia Gruev and the highly-rated Gray all able to play in central midfield at Carrow Road, Leeds have no real need to call on the services of Crew.
In other Leeds United news, a teenage sensation is now set to snub Manchester United in order to move to Elland Road.
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