Fixture: Leeds United Under-23 vs Birmingham City Under-23
Competition: Professional Development League 2
Kick-off: 13:00 (UK time)
Leeds United have confirmed their Under-23 side to take on Birmingham City Under-23s in a Professional Development League fixture at their Thorp Arch training base this afternoon.
Whites youth boss Jason Blunt is looking to see continued development from his squad, which contains a number of 16-year-olds due to other youngsters having been promoted to the first team.
Blunt has first team outcast Toumani Diagouraga at his disposal and names the experienced head in the heart of midfield, as he looks for him to help the youngsters around him. Ross Turnbull takes his spot in goal and will be looking to impress, while former Doncaster Rovers man Billy Whitehouse also plays. There is no spot in the team for Leeds skipper Liam Bridcutt, who has been recovering from a toe injury; Bridcutt is expected to be eased back into action with minutes for the Under-23s.
Romario Vieira, brother of first team talent Ronaldo Vieira, is handed a start, while young striker Mallik Wilks will be aiming to continue his goalscoring form. On the bench, Leeds include mystery summer arrival Amadou Haidara, a player whose arrival at the club has never been announced. Luke Murphy, who has been involved with the Under-23s, is not involved.
Leeds United Under-23 Team vs Birmingham City Under-23
Turnbull, M. Taylor, Pearce, P. McKay, Vann, Diagouraga, Whitehouse, Romario Vieira, Stokes, Wilks, J. McKay
Substitutes: Huffer, Downing, Haidara, Knight, Nicell
