JAMIE SHACKLETON

CLUB: Leeds United POSITION: Right back AGE: 19 VALUE: £3m APPEARANCES THIS SEASON: 21

WHAT HAS HE GOT?

THIS locally born youngster impressed me in a senior game (an FA Cup tie at QPR) and also an academy fixture. A small right back, Shackleton (right) is nimble on his feet and with quick, short strides he gets into opposition territory quickly. He plays a mature game and I like the way he covers close to his centre back when play develops on the opposite flank. He enjoys getting forward, bursting to make a quick overload. Indeed his immediate opponent in one game seemed irritated that he was being constantly forced back to track Shackleton’s runs. Although I saw him drive two superb 40-50 yard ‘pingers’ out wide, his strength seems to be his vision to spot and play the short pass at close quarters. Shackleton looks very much a footballing full back who uses the early ‘push’ pass to good effect. His combinations down the right in the second game I saw were excellent, making a speedy triangle with his fast outside right and clever right midfielder. In the second half, his coach switched him to midfield and he was quieter and, tightly marked, unable to influence the game as much. However, his attitude, enthusiasm and general bubbliness impressed me.

WHAT DOES HE NEED?

AT ONLY 5ft 7in, scouts may analyse his back-post defending but I see a midfield player emerging. He is quick to spot danger, intercept and break away from his immediate opponent. Now with three league starts behind him, his accuracy of pass and sharpness in tight areas — allied to his speed — will get him a decent career. Over the years, Leeds have produced a plethora of young talent and Shackleton could well make the grade. He has a good chance of being in the Premier League next season with his club — but perhaps it will be as a midfielder.