YOUNG HOPEFULS IMPRESSING UWE

YOUNG HOPEFULS IMPRESSING UWE

Head coach pleased with the progress of Coyle, Walters and Phillips...

Uwe Rosler has spoken highly of youngsters Lewie Coyle, Lewis Walters and Kalvin Phillips as they all look to make an impression on the head coach during the pre-season tour of Austria and Norway.

The trio – all products of United’s esteemed Thorp Arch Academy – are part of a 25-man squad currently being put through their paces in Austria in preparation for the new campaign.

Phillips, 19, has two first-team appearances to his name having broken through for his debut in April earlier this year, while Coyle and Walters are both pushing for a chance with the senior team after becoming regular fixtures for the Under-21s in recent seasons.

Rosler said: "Coyley, Kalvin and Lewis Walters are three young players in a first-team environment with an opportunity to impress and to learn.

"They can show high energy to put established players under pressure and that is what they’re doing.

"They’re impressive. I like what I see – I hope they continue."

All three could be involved for Tuesday night’s friendly with Eintracht Frankfurt, but Rosler has confirmed that striker Chris Wood will not start as a precaution and is instead targeting a place in the team for Saturday’s friendly against Hoffenheim.

"The only little bit of negative news is that Chris is still having this nerve problem – but it’s not a muscular problem," the head coach said.

"At this time of the year, there is no point in risking players.

"It’s a little bit irritating for the player because he wants to play and he wants to get fit. But I think we’ll still get him fit and get him ready."

Asked about the players who didn’t make the pre-season tour – namely Nicky Ajose – Rosler said: "I feel we have certain areas where we have too many players.

"I think to be honest to players is the best way to be.

"We had a good chat with each other. I just said to Nicky that he would find it hard to get regular playing time.

"I wanted to concentrate on the players who are in my plans going forward into the season.

"He’s stayed at home, he’s training with the Under-21s and he’s trying to sort out his future. I think that is the best thing for the player and for us."

How to follow United’s pre-season tour:
Here on leedsunited.com we’ll be bringing you exclusive content every day of the tour from within the camp, including behind-the-scenes photos, interviews, match reports and any breaking news as it happens. Our official Twitter account - @LUFC – will bring you team news and live updates of both games. If you're making the trip, we'd love to see your photos using the hashtag #lufcontour.

LUTV are also out in Austria and Norway to follow United every step of the way, and subscribers can watch Tuesday's game with Eintracht Frankfurt live, as well as enjoying full match commentary of both friendlies, highlights, exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes footage and much, much more. Click here to subscribe now for just £1 per week!

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