Redfearn ready to blood young players in Leeds first team

Kalvin Phillips is the latest player from the academy production line to progress into the first-team, following the likes of Lewis Cook, Alex Mowatt and Charlie Taylor, with several others knocking on the door.

A number of under-21 regulars including Chris Dawson, Adryan, Brian Montenegro and Dario Del Fabro were not part of the development squad who drew 1-1 with Coventry at Thorp Arch today - raising the prospect of some potentially being involved against Norwich City tomorrow night.

On the possibility of some other young players being given a chance, Redfearn, who will run checks on several players ahead of the clash with the promotion-chasing Canaries said: “The more of these young players I blood who get used to first-team football, the more they become part of the first-team squad next season and I think that is important.

“I would rather make the squad up with that type of player and players I know than don’t know.”

Admitting that his options is light in central midfield ahead of tomorrow’s game, he added: “We are still in central midfield areas with injuries to Lewis Cook and suspension to Rudy Austin and that has narrowed it down a bit.”

The match will potentially see Guiseppe Bellusci line up against Canaries striker Cameron Jerome following the highly-charged 1-1 draw at Carrow Road in October, with Jerome made an allegation of racism against the United player.

Bellusci was charged with misconduct by the Football Association for alleged racist comments directed towards Jerome, but the FA found the Italian defender not guilty earlier this year.

Redfearn, who sees he has no plans to speak to Bellusci ahead of the game, said: “ That issue got resolved and got settled. The matter is closed.”