Ahead of Leeds United Under-21s’ Premier League 2 clash with Nottingham Forest Under-21s at the LNER Community Stadium, Scott Gardner has named his side to take on the Reds.

The boss has called upon the experience of goalkeeper Alex Cairns to start between the post, passing on his expertise to a youthful side alongside veteran mentor Jonny Howson.

Will Firth is joined in defence by Reuben Lopata-White, Howson and Jayden Lienou, behind a midfield trio of skipper Alfie Cresswell, Ollie Pickles and Rhys Chadwick.

Harry Gray spearheads the attacking line, with Harvey Vincent and Sam Chambers getting the nod from the off on the flanks.

On the bench, attacker Marley Wilson makes a welcomed return following a lengthy spell on the sidelines, as well as places for Devon Brockie, Josh McDonald, Louis Enahoro-Marcus and Lewis Pirie.

Starting XI: Cairns (GK), Firth, Lienou, Pickles, Lopata-White, Howson, Vincent, Cresswell (C), Gray, Chadwick, Chambers.

Subs: Wilson, Brockie, McDonald, Enahoro-Marcus, Pirie.

Forest: Campbell (GK), Sinclair, Newton, Thompson (C), Hanks, Hammond, Whitehall, Nwosu, Sillah, Thompson, Berry.

Subs: Grainger (GK), Anisjko, Blake, McClure, Modupe.