Leeds United legend Eddie Gray has expressed his delight at seeing Jack Clarke showing the confidence to take on defenders with his ability to run with the ball.

A product of the Leeds academy, the 18-year-old broke into the Leeds squad earlier in the season and has managed to become a regular member of the first team group.




Marcelo Bielsa has been careful about blooding in the youngster at the right moments and Clarkehas largely been used as an impact substitute from the bench.

Clarke has positively affected games and his quality on the ball has already drawn comparisons with Leeds legend Gray, who was known for his attacking instincts.
 


The Leeds legend refused to get into that debate but admits Clarke’s fearlessness on the ball and the confidence he shows when it comes to taking on defenders is a huge reason behind his impressive performances.

“I don’t know about that”, the Leeds legend told the Times when asked about the comparison with Clarke.
 

Error, group does not exist! Check your syntax! (ID: 76)


“But when he picks the ball up, he runs at people and takes them on.

"You can have all the talent but you need the confidence to try things.

“That’s what I like about this boy.”

Leeds have suffered back-to-back league defeats but are still at the top of the Championship pile.

And Gray admits that he has not felt so confident about a Leeds team for a long time.

“I have not been this excited for a long time. It’s changed in the city. There is a belief.

“People say we were top last year and fell away, but we’ve never been top at this point.”