Leeds boss Jesse Marsch could be tempted to give Italian striker Willy Gnonto his full debut for the club in their Carabao Cup draw against Wolves.
The 19-year-old has made just two substitute appearances for Leeds since signing from Zurich for £3.8m in September.
But in both cameo roles – in recent wins over Liverpool and Bournemouth – Gnonto showed why he made six appearances for Roberto Mancini’s Italy, including three starts.
Marsch said after Gnonto set up Crysencio Summerville for Leeds’ late winner in Saturday’s 4-3 win over Bournemouth that the teenager claimed his claim for a first start.
Gnonto and Joe Gelhardt could be part of several changes as Marsch plans to give his youngsters more playing time at Molineux.
“Definitely Willy, I’m also thinking of Joffy (Gelhardt),” said the American. “He didn’t always play as much, but in training he put a lot of effort into it and was very effective and efficient.
“Obviously we’re seeing Crysencio at a really high level now. A lot of these youngsters are pushing. And again, I always try to mention Mateo (Joseph) and Sonny (Perkins) too, because we really like these guys. -the.
Gnonto ran half the length of the pitch before sliding to Summerville for his winning goal against Bournemouth, while the two have become close friends since the former arrived at Elland Road.
Marsch is convinced that friendship can flourish on the pitch and serve Leeds well.
“You can see it swell, you can see it grow and it’s awesome,” Marsch added. “I think they have a very strong friendship.
“If we can develop them and continue to use their youthful talent, their enthusiasm, their desire to improve and their fearlessness, that can be a good recipe for success, even with young players.”
Patrick Bamford should not feature at Wolves. He missed the weekend after injuring his hip in training on Friday.
Colombia winger Luis Sinisterra (foot) has been ruled out until after the World Cup and Stuart Dallas and Adam Forshaw remain out long term.
Otherwise, Marsch has plenty of options, with the likes of Mateusz Klich, Sam Greenwood, who came off the bench to score on Saturday, Diego Llorente, Luke Ayling, Junior Firpo and Under-21 midfielder Darko Gyabi all in run.
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