TAYLOR REAPS WARNOCK REWARDS

TAYLOR REAPS WARNOCK REWARDS

Stephen Warnock's experience proving valuable for fellow left-back Charlie Taylor...

Charlie Taylor says he is picking up valuable lessons from Stephen Warnock’s experience as the pair continue to compete for the left-back spot.

Taylor, who won promotion from League Two while on loan at Fleetwood last season, penned a new three-year contract at Elland Road over the summer and has been pushing for a first-team place.

But the impressive form of Warnock combined with a brief injury lay-off has limited the 21-year-old to just one start and one substitute appearance so far this season.

Warnock, a former England international, has started 15 games in all competitions and such has been his influence in the first third of the campaign, he was handed the captain’s armband for the recent draw with Charlton.

"He’s been brilliant really, I can’t argue," said Taylor.

"He’s probably been one of the best players if not the best player for us this season.

"It’s been a bit frustrating at times but I’m up against a really good player and a really experienced player in Stephen Warnock. He’s played at the highest level and has got bags of experience.

"He gives me little points in what to improve on and what to do. He’s really helpful and he’s bringing my game on as well."

Taylor is one of a number of Academy products who have entered the first-team picture in recent years, and the full-back believes it is an exciting time for the club with more young talent waiting in the wings.

"We’ve seen Alex Mowatt, Lewis Cook and Sam Byram. There’s a lot of young ones coming through as well like Chris Dawson," he said.

"Below him there’s then Alex Purver, Kalvin Phillips and Tyler Denton. There’s of good young players coming through, it’s exciting times for the fans."

Taylor also backed Neil Redfearn following his promotion to the club’s head coach, having worked with a number of the younger players throughout his time at Thorp Arch.

"He’s great. He know all the players really well and he knows us inside out," said Taylor.

"He’s had me since I was about 16 and he knows us all far better than anyone else."

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