The Championship gets underway this weekend and three Leeds United players will be preparing to make their debuts for their respective clubs. Jamie Shackleton, Charlie Cresswell and Tyler Roberts have all left Elland Road on loan this summer in the hope of picking up regular game time in the second tier and they’ll all have points to prove.
The trio would have found minutes hard to come by had they stayed with the Whites, but Jesse Marsch will be watching their progress carefully over the coming months. Here, Leeds Live take a look at the situations of the three Leeds men who will be hoping to feature in the Championship this weekend.
Jamie Shackleton – Millwall
After spending two seasons on the peripheries of the United first-team, all parties were in agreement that Shackleton needed to leave Elland Road this season to prevent his progress from stalling. The Whites were open to a permanent exit for Shackleton, but a loan agreement was reached with Millwall and the youngster is expected to play a key role at The Den.
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He might also have the chance to pick up regular game time in his preferred position in the middle of the park. The Lions host Stoke City in the opening game of the season and should Gary Rowett give him the nod, he’ll be keen to make a strong first impression in south London.
Shackleton is no stranger to the rigours and demands of the Championship, of course. He was a regular under Marcelo Bielsa and he knows what it takes to win promotion, too, which is something Millwall are targeting after narrowly missing out on a play-off last time around.
Tyler Roberts – QPR
With the World Cup beginning to loom on the horizon, Roberts needs regular game time in order to nail down his spot in the Wales squad and it seemed unlikely that the required minutes would come with Leeds. The forward was in and out of the side last season and his spot in the side was far from guaranteed under Marsch this time around.
As such, the move to Loftus Road made sense for him and he’ll be determined to prove a point to those at his parent club by finding form and impressing with the Rs. Roberts did pick up a minor injury in pre-season, but it isn't thought to be serious and he should be in contention to make his debut soon.
QPR have an option to buy Roberts at the end of the season, but Leeds will still be keeping a keen eye on his progress and form with the Championship club.
Charlie Cresswell – Millwall
Like the two names above, Cresswell’s need for first-team minutes was recognised this summer and with his path into Jesse Marsch’s side appearing crowded, the club were happy to loan him out to the Championship for the season. The defender spent a majority of last season in the under-23s side but at the end of the campaign he had clearly outgrown that level.
He had options, but Millwall were the club to win the race to sign the 19-year-old and it seems he has made quite the impression in pre-season. He’s won praise from Rowett for his performances and the goal he scored against Crystal Palace had supporters making player of the season predictions.
Cresswell is more than ready for the physical demands of the Championship and he is expected to play a important role for the Lions this season in the centre of defence.
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