Leeds United’s Under-18 side are in action in The FA Youth Cup final on Friday night as The Whites take on Manchester City, and one regular is already clocking up speeds of 23 miles per hour.
Rob Etherington has taken Leeds to the final of the FA Youth Cup for the first time since 1996-97. A side that beat Crystal Palace over two legs, including stars Alan Smith, Jonathan Woodgate and Harry Kewell.
Leeds go up against the cream of the crop at this age in Manchester City and have to take on City’s Under-18 outfit at The Etihad. It started with a 2-0 away win over Sunday’s play-off opponents Norwich.
A huge 4-0 away win over Brighton came next to book a place in the fifth round where Leeds took on Yorkshire rivals Sheffield United, a game that ended 1-1 after 120 minutes of action at Bramall Lane.
Leeds triumphed on penalties to the quarter-finals where they arguably produced the best result of the run to the final, a massive 3-1 win over Liverpool, followed by a 4-3 win over Millwall in the semi-finals.
Now, City in the final and one player that is likely to start is Scottish talent Josh McDonald having started all previous five games in the run to the final and it is his speed that has caught the eye already.
Leeds talent Josh McDonald among the Premier League’s quickest
The Mail previewed the final against Man City and gave a brief description of the players that have played such a key part in Etherington’s side going into the final, with McDonald a key member of the U18 team.
The 17-year-old signed from Scottish side Hamilton last summer for £150,000 has had a hand in 12 goals ‘in 26 games this season, with the majority of his goals and assists coming in the U18 Premier League.
But it is his speed that is most notable, clocking up sprints of 23mph and putting him up there with some of the fastest wingers in the Premier League and that pace will be a huge asset against Man City.
Leeds beat Celtic and Rangers to sign McDonald last summer
Already a two-time Scotland U17 star, it is a surprise that McDonald has not yet made his debut for the club’s Under-21 side though he has been on the bench during a 2-0 defeat to Leicester back in March.
The report from The Mail states that McDonald was signed by Leeds ahead of Old Firm rivals Celtic and Rangers and that says a lot about the hype and potential of winger McDonald at just 17 years of age.
The odds will be stacked in City’s favour on Friday night but having players like McDonald with his huge speed will give Etherington’s side a chance on the counter, as Leeds go in search of a third FA Youth Cup.