PARKIN READY FOR ACTION

PARKIN READY FOR ACTION

Striker hoping to make an impression in pre-season...

Young striker Luke Parkin says he “can’t wait to get stuck in” to the new season after signing a new one-year deal at Elland Road, but admits he would be open to a loan move if it meant gaining regular football.

The 19-year-old joined the club’s Academy aged seven and has progressed right through to the Under-21s, where he found himself close to the senior squad for parts of last season.

Parkin ended the campaign with nine goals for the U21s and has been rewarded with a new deal which he penned at Elland Road on Wednesday afternoon.

"I’m really happy, I can’t wait for the new season now," the striker said when asked about his new contract.

"I’ve had a good summer and I can’t wait to get stuck in.

"When we first all found out, we were buzzing that we got kept on with all of us being mates.

"I’m gutted that a few didn’t as well, so hopefully they will all find new clubs as they’re good lads and good players."

Parkin is now hoping to catch the eye of new head coach Uwe Rosler and his backroom staff when the squad returns for pre-season training in the coming weeks.

"First impressions are massive," he said. "You don’t get second ones and you’ve got to take it and show them that you’re up for it."

But with the striker itching for a taste of first-team football, he says he would entertain the possibility of a loan move to gain experience.

"We’ll see what happens in pre-season, I’ll do my best and try and get in and around it," he said.

"If it’s not at Leeds, I’m at that age now where I think I maybe need to go and get some games somewhere.

"If I’m not in and around it, then I’ll maybe go out on loan.

"I think a few clubs last year - I’m not sure who – were interested, but Leeds wanted to keep me there because I was playing quite a bit in the 21s and pushing for the first team when I was in the squad.

"I’m not sure who it was but I think I’m at the age now where if I’m not playing week in, week out for the 21s, or even if I am, it might help to develop me as a player and as a person to get some games somewhere.

"I can think of four or five strikers off the top of my head who are going to be in and around the 21s and pushing for the first team.

"You’re going to have to be doing well. If I’m not getting picked, then I might need to go out on loan."

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