By support

12th Dec, 2016 | 6:31pm

Why Leeds must start 21-year-old against Reading to reignite promotion hopes

By Will Butcher

Garry Monk must start Matt Grimes for Leeds’ top-of-the-table clash against Reading on Tuesday night.

The 21-year-old has endured a difficult start to Leeds’ campaign this season, as he struggles to earn a permanent place in Monk’s side.

However, with Kalvin Phillips, Eunan O’Kane and Pablo Hernandez sidelined, the Swansea loanee should be given a chance to shine against Jaap Stam’s Reading at Elland Road.

Leeds must be as creative as possible against their playoff rivals Reading, as Stam has moulded a defence that gives little away.

Defenders Liam Moore and Paul McShane have starred in the Reading defence, which have kept nine clean sheets in Stam’s first season in charge.

The inclusion of England Under-21’s international Grimes would prove the difference then, as Grimes possesses the ability to unlock a defence with an eye-catching pass or piece of inventive play.

Grimes, who can play in either central midfield or as a number 10 in between the lines of the opposition’s defence and midfield, has made just nine appearances for Leeds this season.

An impressive cameo role against Brighton on Friday proved that he has what it takes to take opposition players out of the game with his accurate array of passing.

Grimes could play in the number 10 role but will have to rival in-form ace Kemar Roofe, while returning captain Liam Bridcutt will rival Grimes to partner Ronaldo Vieira in midfield.

A win will take the Yorkshire giants from sixth to fourth, if Derby and Huddersfield drop points.

In other Leeds news, Stan Collymore has revealed he is an admirer of this senior Leeds ace.