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Oliver Jones

Jermaine Beckford tells Javi Gracia to start Leeds United starlet against Fulham

Former Leeds United striker Jermaine Beckford has told Whites head coach Javi Gracia that he should think about starting youngster Mateo Joseph against Fulham this weekend.

While the 19-year-old has only laced up his boots for 42 minutes of senior team action this season, he's been tearing it up in the Premier League 2 Division 2.

Joseph has scored 15 goals and found one assist in his 17 matches for the Under-21s this season, with Paco Gallardo's side vying for the title with Southampton and Nottingham Forest's youth sides.

READ MORE: Pundit apologies for foul-mouthed Leeds United rant live on air after Liverpool defeat

With just two matches left in the season, the youngsters are currently perched at the top of the table, tied on points with the Saints, but with a game in hand.

That now means though that Joseph is fresh and ready to be picked by Gracia after a troubling April which has seen the Whites lose three of their four games in heavy defeats.

Beckford, who had over 150 appearances for the Whites, now wants him to get a regular opportunity in the senior squad after a lack of goals from the side's other attackers in recent matches.

"I don’t mind the idea of playing 4-4-2," Beckford said on Sky Sports. "Two centre-forwards. I am a centre-forward myself and I have always enjoyed having two players up top.

"Mateo Joseph is a very, very good forward. He does know where the back of the net is. He is still a little bit inexperienced. But I would like to see him given a chance."

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