Leeds can take pride in having an academy which often bears fruit.
Harry Gray is currently shining for the youth side with ten goals in 11 appearances so far this season, after emerging from the same academy which produced his brother Archie Gray – now a £40m player at Tottenham.
The likes of James Milner, David Seaman, Danny Rose, Aaron Lennon and Fabian Delph also emerged from the youth ranks at Elland Road – along with many other star names.
Now, there seems to be another talent emerging at Leeds in Rory Mahady – who has taken to life on loan at Scunthorpe like a duck to water.
Rory Mahady recognised for admirable efforts away from Leeds United
The 19-year-old goalkeeper has now been named Player of the Month for November at Scunthorpe as the teenager goes from strength to strength in the National League.
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Mahady only joined Scunthorpe in October on an emergency deal – initially meant to last for just one game – as Rory Watson and Maison Campbell were both unavailable.
After Mahady earned a standing ovation from his teammates following a 3-1 debut win over York, Scunthorpe opted to extend his loan, and he was back in between the sticks to help secure a 1-0 victory over Yeovil, his first clean sheet in professional football.
Remarkably – despite only initially being an emergency loanee – the youngster has since started five National League games in a row, helping Scunthorpe move up to sixth.
As far as taking your chance goes, Mahady has grabbed it with both hands and is not letting go.
Rory Mahady could soon have an opening at Leeds United
Daniel Farke looks likely to have Lucas Perri in place as his No.1 for the foreseeable future, having spent £16m on the Brazilian back in July.
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However, there could well be a vacancy as the South American’s backup soon.
Both Karl Darlow and Illan Meslier see their contracts expire in June, meaning Perri is the only goalkeeper currently signed up for next season at Leeds.
It would be bold of Farke to promote a 19-year-old to be his main understudy, but if Mahady keeps defying the odds on loan at Scunthorpe, anything is possible.
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