Midfielder Ollie Pickles scored twice for Leeds United Under-21s Wednesday night, unleashing two rockets past Gateshead FC goalkeeper George Shelvey in a 3-0 victory for the Whites. After the match, Pickles spoke to leedsunited.com.

“I am really happy with my performance and with the team’s performance overall. Obviously, getting two goals is nice, but I thought I could have had three or four.”

Indeed, Pickles came close on multiple occasions, most notably when a blistering shot caromed off the bar in the second half.

Pickles was active on the defensive end too, intervening against Kain Adom as the Tynesiders forward aimed to bring Gateshead back into the game with a powerful strike.

“I am glad we got the win in a game I was looking forward to a lot beforehand.”

The brace marks the young player’s first two goals of the season for Leeds, who have benefited greatly from their campaigns in the Vertu Trophy and National League Cup.

“It’s good to play against under-21 sides week in and week out,” Pickles said. “But playing against these men’s teams really pushes and challenges you. It shows that we can compete at this level.

“We have had a busy schedule these last few months, but I feel like this is the time we need to crack on.”

Pickles and his teammates next challenge? The Premier League International Cup, where they will face Borussia Dortmund Under-21s in December.

“We want to really prove ourselves in such a big game.”