Gelhardt tipped to start for Leeds after Phil Hay update – Phillips
Kevin Phillips has claimed Leeds United starlet Joe Gelhardt “deserves the chance” to start against Norwich City on Sunday.
The 2000 European Golden Boot winner, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 19-year-old had been introduced to the first team at “the perfect time”.
As reported by the Athletic‘s Phil Hay (October 29th), Leeds United’s plan to introduce Gelhardt to senior football is “nearing completion” after concerns over the youngster’s fitness last summer.
The former Wigan youngster burst onto the scene last weekend in his Elland Road debut.
Gelhardt played 27 minutes from the bench against Wolves, terrorising the away side and earning Leeds United the opportunity to level the match from 12 yards in stoppage time.
The 20-year-old made his league debut for the Whites a week earlier in a narrow loss against Southampton.
Liverpool-born starlet Gelhardt made his debut for England’s under-20 side last month, scoring twice.
He earned his first call-up to the under-21’s this month but failed to appear.
When asked if the youngster could make his first start against Norwich on Sunday, Phillips told Football Insider’s Dylan Childs: “It wouldn’t surprise me.
“I think he deserves that chance now.
“Give the lad an opportunity to go and show from the start what he’s all about.
“He can take that mantle and put the pressure on Bamford to perform when he comes back.
“Bielsa’s brought him in at the perfect time.
“You can always question managerial decisions – but he’s got a lot more experience than most managers out there right now.
“He’s got this one right.”
Gelhardt has six goals in seven games in Premier League 2 this term.
Leeds United travel to Carrow Road this weekend just three points clear of the drop zone.
In other news, pundit makes ‘huge’ claim ahead of the must-win clash.