Former Leeds United star Noel Whelan has admitted to being impressed by Whites youngster Tom Pearce, who scored his first goal for the club in the side's 2-1 win over Barnsley at Elland Road.
Injuries and suspensions to senior players have seen young Pearce handed his chance in recent weeks and the full-back has grabbed it with both hands.
Pearce put Leeds ahead at Elland Road by striking a fine effort into the bottom corner of the net from around 25 yards out.
Barnsley did draw level through a Paudie O'Connor own goal, but Ezgjan Alioski secured all three points for Leeds by striking in the 50th minute.
Pearce completed all 90 minutes in the Championship encounter and Whelan was happy with what he saw from the 20-year-old.
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"When we saw him against Aston Villa I thought he had a fantastic game and he just gets better and better", he said on BBC Radio Leeds.
"He is getting confident in his job and what's required.
"He seems to be loving it out there and so he should."
Pearce will hope to now be selected for Leeds' final two games of the season, which come at Carrow Road against Norwich City and then at Elland Road against QPR.
