Harry Gray got his first taste of senior action for Leeds United against Harrogate Town on Friday.
Despite being only 15, Daniel Farke brought him off the bench for the final 15 minutes in North Yorkshire, in what was a major sign of just how highly he is rated at Elland Road.
There had been murmurings Gray would be leaving this summer following brother Archie’s move to Tottenham, but that will not be happening.
He has regularly been training six years above his age in the U21s, but does still remain two years below the age in which Archie was first handed his debut 12 months ago.
Having said that, Farke clearly saw Harrogate as a perfect opportunity to showcase him in front of Leeds supporters for the first time after Archie’s move, and he even got his own rendition of his brother’s song.
Farke shares how Leeds plan to use Gray
Though he did not make his debut until the age of 17, Archie was actually on the bench as a 15-year-old under Marcelo Bielsa in the Premier League.
Given Archie actually believes his younger brother Harry is a better talent than he is, some may be expecting Harrogate to be the first of many senior appearances this season.
However, speaking to BBC Radio Leeds post-match, Farke was quick to ease expectations regarding Gray’s involvement, which are always going to be heightened just because of his name.
Farke says while Leeds undoubtedly see Gray as someone with huge potential, his first team involvement will be very sparse during the upcoming campaign.
He said: “No, he is a 15-year-old lad and obviously we have to be a bit careful. He is a guy with lots of talent, I don’t like to praise young lads too much and put them in the spotlight.
“But today was a good scenario and chance to give him an appetiser for first team football, but we can’t expect to see him pretty, pretty soon right now.
“Full of potential, here and there he will get a chance to smell a bit how it is with the first team, but we will stay patient and won’t put too much load on his small shoulders.
“We have to work with him, but he also earned it with good performances at youth level. It was great for him more or less in his home stadium in the first public game for us.”
Which other Leeds youngsters could make the step up?
So while Gray may have to wait a couple more years for his chance to arrive, there is one knocking on the door right now.
Sam Chambers getting on the scoresheet was a fantastic moment for him, but again at 17, it is likely to be a little early.
However, one man who could be set for a more elevated role is Charlie Crew, who is slightly more experienced at 18, has already been on the bench for the first team, and is a senior Wales international.
Crew played the second 45 minutes last night and certainly did not look out of place, putting himself about physically, but more importantly looking very good in possession.
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