Former Leeds United boss Neil Redfearn feels youngsters such as Alex Mowatt should not be relied upon to be the club's main performers, dubbing youth products a "bonus" for the Elland Road outfit.
Mowatt, a Leeds academy product, has struggled to assert his influence on the team this season and the early promise shown by him is threatening to fade away.
Redfearn still has faith in the 21-year-old midfielder and believes he is being played in the wrong position, which has contributed to some of his lacklustre performances this season.
However, he has insisted that Mowatt should not be a key player for Leeds at such a young age and wants the new summer signings to make their presence felt and be the ‘main men’ in Garry Monk’s squad.
When asked whether Mowatt’s career is fading away, the former Leeds boss said on Radio Yorkshire: “I wouldn't say he is fading away [with his career].
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“I think what's happening is that he's been played out of position.
"I don't think the left hand side suits him, but having said that it was the Birmingham game when he played on the left and started off really brightly. That probably didn't do him any favours, playing that well there.
“You've got to remember he's a young player.
“These young players that have come through from the academy are a bonus.
“Your main signings have got to be your main players. They've got to be your main men.”
A product of the Leeds academy, Mowatt has made 117 senior appearances for the club, but has not been a regular starter under Monk this season.
