Phil Hay says Daniel Farke could use Leeds star in midfield on Saturday, ‘tailor-made’ for the role

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Daniel Farke has a number of decisions to make to his side on Saturday as Leeds United welcome Rotherham United to Elland Road – and one of those is the possibility of a debut for Connor Roberts.

But if Roberts is to start and make his debut for Leeds on Saturday, then a decision will have to be made regarding Archie Gray. The England U20 wonderkid has been first choice on the right of the back four.

Roberts will be aching to play in what is the first game he is eligible for – having missed registration for the game against Bristol City and ineligible for the trip to Plymouth in the fourth round of The FA Cup.

A game at home against a side struggling near the foot of the Championship might be the best game to introduce 54-time Wales star Roberts into the side. A decision that Farke will have to make tomorrow.

Speaking on the latest episode of The Square Ball, Hay says that he feels it is unlikely Gray will be taken out of the starting XI for Roberts – but, that Roberts could be included if Gray is moved into midfield.

“I’d be fairly surprised [if Roberts starts]. It is hard to justify that to Gray, especially with the way Gray played against Bristol City,” Hay said. Posed with the option of moving Gray into midfield and resting Glen Kamara, Hay said: “That is definitely an option.

“I think the club are very mindful that Gray carries on getting minutes – midfield or right-back. They didn’t want to sign players at the expense of him getting minutes. Gray is tailor-made for that advanced midfield position. But I am not too sure that Farke will be rushing to mix it up.”

Phil Hay thinks Archie Gray could play in midfield on Saturday

Gray is obviously going to be the long-term future of this Leeds midfield. Whether that starts on the weekend when Leeds take on Rotherham remains to be seen. Ilia Gruev might be given a rest in midfield.

Especially after playing 120 minutes on Tuesday. But, with Liam Cooper also doing so, you would expect the rested Ethan Ampadu to replace the Scotland star – and Gruev to continue. So, who comes out?

If Roberts is to start? Gray is undroppable, and so is Gruev with Ampadu likely to start with Joe Rodon. If Gray and Roberts are to both start, it would have to be Glen Kamara – allowing Gray to play with Gruev.