Leeds United goalkeeper given clear route to first team after big week of progress
Leeds are hardly short of quality goalkeepers right now.
The battle between Karl Darlow and Lucas Perri at Leeds for the number one spot will be interesting to follow once the Brazilian returns from injury.
It would be easy to forget that once-highly-rated French goalkeeper Illan Meslier is still at Leeds as well.
However, the Peacocks are still looking toward the future and making a clear succession plan for another promising young goalkeeper on their books.
Rory Mahady given clear plan of progress after Scunthorpe United loan
Rory Mahady made his professional debut on loan for Scunthorpe United on Wednesday, and he was reportedly given a standing ovation by his teammates after the match.
Mahady completed his youth loan move to Scunthorpe just a couple of days before their National League match against York City. He started the game and performed fantastically in a 3-1 win.
Speaking after the match, Mahady expressed his desire to secure a longer loan so he could continue to develop in men’s football, although he conceded that Leeds’ needs would come first.
The 19-year-old will be unavailable for Scunthorpe’s next matches because he’ll be away representing Scotland under-21s instead.
Mahady will be thrilled with his big week of progress, but he won’t have plans to stop there
Mahady has performed consistently well for Leeds under-21 team, but it can be a big step up to senior football, and the 19-year-old must be thrilled with his performance.
The Scot has been praised by Leeds’ academy staff for his attitude and willingness to learn, and that came off well in his post-match interview.
Leeds’ under-21 squad have been successful in recent years, winning the National League Cup last season and reaching the FA Youth Cup final in the previous year, but it’s important for their players to get experience in senior football as well.
Mahady is right to express his desire to seek more senior experience even if that is away from Elland Road. He looks set to have his wish granted this season.
From there, perhaps:
- He could seal a loan move to League 2 or League 1 next season
- Then maybe the Championship
- If all goes well, he could be competing for the number one jersey at Leeds within a couple of years.
Mahady still has a lot to learn, but based on feedback from Leeds’ youth coaches, the sky could be the limit for the young goalkeeper.
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