Fear will not stop Sam Allardyce from turning to Leeds United’s best young talent like Archie Gray with his final rolls of the dice this month. The 17-year-old has been among several members of the under-21s to step into matchday squads this season, but he’s yet to get that Premier League taste.
With so few games to make an impact and so much pressure on the circumstances around this escape mission, there can be hesitancy to use inexperienced youth. However, Allardyce sees an argument for taking advantage of a teen’s carefree freedom, if they’re good enough.
When asked about Gray and the under-21s, Allardyce said: “It’s a big decision, isn’t it? I don’t mind making big decisions, but whether it’s the right decision, we have to calculate whether that’s right.
READ MORE: Robbie Keane details Sam Allardyce phone call and 'no-brainer' decision to return to Leeds United
“Whether the young lad has got the ability, got the skill, it’s whether we think he could handle the occasion. This is a cauldron for us to go in and be able to perform at the highest level we can, with the pressure we put on ourselves by the position we're in.
“So I suppose you could get a youngster that goes in and doesn't have that amount of stress because he just wants to go in and play football and can play with a bit of freedom or he could freeze quite easily.
“In saying that, many of the players, young or old, could do that on Saturday. What I’m hoping for is good mental resilience that allows them to perform at their highest quality.
“The fear needs to drive them on, the fear of relegation, the fear of losing their Premier League status should make them hopefully fight and fight hard for their status, their position at Leeds United.”
Gray was an unused substitute in Allardyce’s first matchday squad at Manchester City last weekend. With Tyler Adams injured and form and fitness proving an issue for the side’s senior central midfielders, Gray could prove a temptation for the former England boss.
READ NEXT:
Mateo Joseph says Elland Road crowd will play 'big part' as Leeds United U21s aim for final win
Newcastle United's Dan Burn anticipating 'different' Leeds United under Sam Allardyce
Chris Armas reflects on Leeds United experience and Man United reunion amid Jesse Marsch question
Newcastle United insider makes Sam Allardyce prediction as Leeds United sent weakness warning
'Absolute rubbish' - Forshaw on Leeds United shocks, Ayling-Roca fight and his career on the line
