Development Squad manager Neil Redfearn is hoping to see an Elland Road crowd to support his younger charges against Derby County on Monday evening (7pm).

After starting out with away trips to Huddersfield and Barnsley, the Development Squad’s first game on home soil is at Elland Road, and Redfearn says it’s a great opportunity for his young players to gain experience.

“It’s our first game at Elland Road which is great for the younger boys,” he said. “It’s good for the supporters to see what’s there and what’s coming through.

“We always try and get the ball down to play. They’re learning, but we have some good young players and they will benefit from it.

“Alex Mowatt is an example that if they are good enough they are old enough, and the manager will put them in. Not only did he make his debut last week, but he did well. He’s a leading light to the young boys looking to impress.”

Mowatt is included to face Derby in a Leeds team that will also include Sam Byram, starting his second game since injury.

“Sam had half a game at Huddersfield and acquitted himself really well,” said Redfearn. “He’s lacking in match fitness which he knows, and obviously he wants to play again so we’ll try and get him a bit more.

“He’s enthusiastic for it so hopefully we can give him a bit more, and hopefully the injury will hold up and there’ll be no reaction. He made such an impact last season and he is such an important player for us that if we can get him back sooner rather than later it’s good for everybody.”

The Development Squad have opened the campaign with two defeats. A late flurry at Barnsley led to the home side securing a flattering 3-0 win the opening game before a 1-0 lead was surrendered at Huddersfield last week.

“The performances have been okay, but the results haven’t,” said Redfearn. “We got in front against Huddersfield and couldn’t see it through. We’ve been young in a lot of areas, but this is what these games are for.

“We’re looking to develop players and results are secondary. We’d like to introduce them to a winning mentality, but its about putting the building blocks in place, and they have to learn from these games.

“One thing is that you don’t know what you will get in terms of opponents. They could be young or they could be quite strong. We’ve come up against two decent sides so far. We had the best of it for half a game at Barnsley and for an hour at Huddersfield, and they’re good experiences.”

Admission at Elland Road is £3/£1 and for fans who can't get to Elland Road, the game is live on LUTV with Thom Kirwin and Dom Matteo presenting.