Whelan claims ‘quality’ Leeds players are ‘taking off’ ahead of the summer

Noel Whelan claims some Leeds United Under 23s are ‘taking off’ and will be pushing for first team places next season. 

The former Leeds man, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, was full of praise for the youth side after they secured the Premier League 2 title last week.

Goals from Sam Greenwood and Jack Jenkins proved to be the difference as a 2-1 win over Aston Villa Under 23s was enough to secure the title.

It was also a positive night for Adam Forshaw as the 29-year-old made it through 84 minutes of the game in what was his first appearance at any level for 18 months.

Whelan claims the title win is important to Leeds as it signals the progression of the youth side which can only lead to good things for players wanting to break into the first team.

“It just shows the progression is going on in the 23s, not just the first team,” Whelan told Football Insider correspondent Dylan Childs.

“It’s so important because those quality players are the future of Leeds, we’ve spent a lot of money bringing players in and a lot of time and care has gone into it.

“That’s all really positive for Leeds. We’ve always had a good youth set up and it looks like those players are taking off to another level now another of the summer, which is really good for the club.

“Let’s hope next season some of the young boys can get the job done and we can have a few more players pushing for first team places.”

Joe Gelhardt has been a regular starter for the Under 23s this season and featured on the first team’s bench against Liverpool on Monday night.

In other news, Kevin Campbell is in awe as Leeds United eye a top left-footer who’s available for as little as £8million this summer.