Tuesday’s 3-1 win over Hertha Berlin was an impressive display from Leeds United’s U21’s side but for Harvey Sutcliffe, it meant a lot more – his return prompting reaction from Archie Gray and Sonny Perkins.
Sutcliffe, 20, had not played for Leeds since picking up a serious knee injury during last season’s PL2 win over Sunderland back in October. He came off on 81 minutes during the 1-0 win, sidelined since.
But on Tuesday, he made his first appearance for the Whites in what he says is 379 days since picking up the long-term knee issue. He replaced Leo Hjelde, who himself took a whack to the hip on Tuesday.
Sutcliffe impressed as Leeds secured a second win in the Premier League International Cup, after first beating Nice 2-0 earlier this term. Sutcliffe took to Instagram to share his delight after a return to action.
Archie Gray reacts as Harvey Sutcliffe returns for Leeds U21’s
It is great to see a young player make it back to the big time after such a difficult part of what is still only a young career. Sutcliffe has had to watch on as many of his young teammates continued to impress.
There is no doubting he is a talent. Last season, Sutcliffe had broken into the 21’s on a regular basis and was looking like a real talent – a possible first-team breakthrough on the cards. That has all changed.
He now needs to continue working hard to win his place back in the 21’s set-up and then, he can start to look beyond. But Tuesday was a massive step forward for the 20-year-old. Many reacted to his return.
Gray, Perkins and plenty more commented on his Instagram post following the 3-1 win, in which Mateo Joseph, Lew Bate and Keenan Carole got their names on the score sheet for Michael Skubala’s side.
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