Leeds rookie set for start in defence against Sunderland
Sunderland could face a makeshift Leeds United defence for Saturday’s crucial Sky Bet Championship showdown at Elland Road.
Centre-back Matthew Pennington has been laid low by a calf problem sustained in the final seconds of Tuesday night’s 2-0 defeat at Fulham.
The Everton loanee looks set to be sidelined along with Liam Cooper and Conor Shaughnessy for the Sunderland game, with Pontus Jansson the only senior central defender available to Leeds boss Paul Heckingbottom.
Paudie O’Connor, a 20-year-old Irishman who travelled with Heckingbottom’s squad to Craven Cottage, is the likeliest stand-in at the back.
“When it rains it pours,” said one-time Sunderland defender Heckingbottom after the loss to Fulham.
“That’s how it is. It’s a real kick in the b***s. You come here, get beat and feel frustrated with the result and to pick up a couple of injuries as well is frustrating.
“Paudie’s been training with us because of the injuries and the players we’ve got missing at centre-back.
“It’s important that if he’s needed he knows what we want from him and he feels comfortable.
“Then we’re not just throwing him in last minute.”
Leeds have won just two of their 14 matches, drawing four and losing eight, since exiting the FA Cup to League Two club Newport County in January 1, falling out of contention for a play-off place.
They did, though, win their previous home match, defeating Bolton Wanderers on Good Friday.