Leeds U23s’ game against Sheffield Wednesday on Monday got a little bit more publicity than any regular youth game would.

Indeed, plenty was made about Jean-Kevin Augustin and Ian Poveda’s first appearances for the club, but there was another player who caught Graham Smyth’s eye above everyone else.

What’s been said then?

Graham Smyth and Joe Urquhart were speaking about Monday’s fixture on the latest edition of the Inside Elland Road podcast.

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“Jamie Shackleton got 45 minutes as did Gaetano Berardi who’s back from a calf injury,” Smyth said (Inside Elland Road 4/2/20 39:50).

“But the player who stood out for me the most is Bryce Hosannah at right-back, he looks a real player.”

“He’s very good, he’s just been very unfortunate with injuries, he’s had two lengthy long-term layoffs, and that’s meant that his progress towards the first-team has been halted. Obviously he’s been in a few squads, and I think he went to Australia. So he’s one to watch.”

Exciting

It’s promising to hear that Hosannah was impressive on Monday, and it gets even better when you realise that the youngster could plug a position that could develop into a bit of a problem for Leeds.

Luke Ayling has been solid at right-back this season, laying on three assists and winning 2.3 aerial duels this term. However, he’s 29 in August, and he isn’t getting any younger.

In terms of depth in that spot, there really isn’t much other than Jamie Shackleton, and his natural position is in midfield.

With loanee Ben White headed back to Brighton and Gaetano Berardi looking to depart at the end of the season, Ayling may well be needed at centre-half, a position he has played in seven times this term, and that switch would be much easier if Hosannah is ready to step in at right-back.

In other news, it may be time for Leeds to drop one man who has started every game this term.