Leeds United starlet Lewis Cook believes playing week in, week out in the Championship last season has caused him to grown up as a player quickly.
Cook was a regular fixture at Elland Road last season, despite constant managerial changes, as every new face in the dugout concluded the 18-year-old merited a spot in the side as one of Leeds' brightest young prospects.
He believes that a full season in the cut and thrust of England's all too physical second tier has brought his game on and caused him to mature at a rapid rate. And Cook admits that last summer he never expected to feature in so many games.
Cook told The FA's official site: "I think it was 38 games I played in last season – it's mad when you think about it.
"I never thought I'd get that many games, but it was great for me and I felt I really came on", the England Under-19 international continued.
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"I think I've grown up a lot, especially in the Championship as it’s a proper man’s game there and really physical.
"I had to adapt to that quite quickly and I think that has put me in good stead for this year – hopefully I can really push on now."
Cook helped Leeds gain their first three points of the season at the weekend with a 2-1 win away at Derby County, while he has now linked up with England's Under-19s.
