Fulham tie may be ideal time to hand Diogo Monteiro his Leeds debut

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With Liam Cooper injured and Diego Llorente loaned out in the January transfer window, Diogo Monteiro was the only centre-back named on the Leeds United bench for their vital Premier League clash with Southampton at the weekend.

The 18-year-old arrived in the January window. And the hope is that he becomes the latest inspired youngster signing Victor Orta has made at Elland Road.

There have been glimpses of the teenager so far. He featured for the under-21s in the draw with Newcastle and win over Aston Villa. And the early signs are that the Portuguese is someone to really keep an eye on.

Fulham tie may be best time to use Diogo Monteiro

Admittedly, had Leeds lost either Robin Koch or Max Wober to injury on Saturday, you would imagine that it was most likely that Javi Gracia would bring Rasmus Kristensen on and move Luke Ayling into the middle.

But Monteiro is knocking on the first-team door having been on the bench for the last three games. So perhaps, Tuesday’s FA Cup tie with Fulham may be the right time to hand him a debut in some capacity.

Of course, extending the cup run would be brilliant. But the trip to Craven Cottage is going to be a tough one. And if you ask most Leeds fans, they would surely be content with being knocked out tonight if it was followed by a win at Chelsea this weekend.

So there is an opportunity to rotate somewhat. And while starting Monteiro would be risky, it would surely make sense to give him a chance at some stage.

Leeds fans know better than most how much injuries can decimate a squad. And with Cooper sidelined, there is not a lot of depth at centre-back right now.

So today may represent the best opportunity to give him that first-team bow. Certainly, it will help show whether Monteiro is ready to feature a little more if needed, in what is threatening to be a huge few months for the Whites.