Born in Newcastle, and having worked his through the same Wallsend Boys Club as former Leeds United players Michael Bridges, Ray Hankin, and Alan Thompson, defender Leif Davis was signed to the U23s in the Summer, following a two-year spell at Morecambe.

Featuring regularly for Carlos Corberan's U23s, who currently sit top their league, the 18-year-old recently made his Leeds United senior debut, stepping in at the last minute for Barry Douglas who was struck down with illness moments before the dramatic 3-2 win over Aston Villa.

We catch up with the young left-back, to find out how he's settling at the club...

You've had a bit of a whirlwind few months. How have you found life at Leeds United?

It's been great so far. Coming in from Morecambe during the summer, joining the U23s, it's been a big step up for me going into the first-team setup.

What's been the biggest difference you've found since your move in the Summer?

Just everything about the environment really. You've got the best coach in the world at the club, all of his staff, and that's a great thing for any young lad who wants to progress.

What's it like walking through the doors of Thorp Arch every day?

Exciting because you know it's going to be a good day. You see all the lads, and they're all happy, smiles on their faces, and that just carries everyone along. Even on Christmas Day, when you'd think it'd be tough coming in, everyone's face had a smile on it, and it's just a positive place to be right now.

How have you found adapting to U23 level?

From playing reserve games at Morecambe, it was tough going into U23 level here, as you're playing against bigger players, who have been at higher clubs for longer than you, and they've had access to more resources.

The coaches at Thorp Arch have been fantastic, and they've helped me come a long way from where I was at the start of the summer. I came in as a left-back, and they've helped me to start playing as a centre-back. I like playing both positions, and they're always helping me to identify what my strengths are and improve upon them.

The U23s are top of the league, the first-team are top of the league, are you enjoying being part of both setups?

Yeah, both sides are doing really well, and it's just good to be around all the players. The attitude in both is great, everyone wants to win, and that's why we're getting the results that we are. You just look at the desire in the Blackburn game, to go from being 2-1 down to 3-2 up, it's really exciting to be a part of.

How did training with the first-team come about?

I've been training with them for about a month or two now. I came into Thorp Arch one day, and I wasn't really expecting it, but I got told I'm with the first team from now on, and for an 18-year-old, it's amazing and can only help. To be the top team in the league, and for the coach to have that confidence in you, it's a great feeling.

Have the lads given you any words of advice?

They want you to be confident, and just do what you do. They all help you along in training, and if you make a mistake, they just remind you that they know you can do it, and tell you to just keep your head up. They're all great leaders.

Bill (Luke Ayling) has been a good example. When we played against Barnsley for the U23s, he said I'd done really well, and he said if I can step up to that level, I can play at any level.

You made your debut at Villa Park, how did that come about?

Barry had been ill off and on, and all the lads came up to me throughout the day, and just said: "Be Ready". We went out to warm up, and I was just focused on the game, in case I did start.

I was walking in to get changed to sit on the bench, and then about three minutes before kick-off, I was told to get ready as I was starting. The good thing was that I didn't really have time to think about it, as I'd have probably been a bit more nervy.

Making your debut in front of two passionate fan bases, what was that like?

It was a great experience to make my debut in what's been a Premier League stadium, in front of 41,000. When they scored it was loud, but when Leeds scored it was amazing. The fans just helped the team all along the way, they sang all the way through and helped us get them three goals. 

What's the aim for the rest of the season?

Keep improving, and hopefully get a few more appearances for the first-team.