Senior professional development coach Neil Redfearn is urging Simon Lenighan to follow in the footsteps of his fellow young pros at the club.

The 19-year-old is likely to make his FC Halifax Town debut on Thursday evening after joining the club on an initial month-long loan.

Nathan Turner, Lewis Turner, and Ross Killock are all currently learning their trade with loan spells at Chester, while Charlie Taylor has enjoyed a terrific season so far on loan at Fleetwood.

“It’s doing them all the power of good,” said Redfearn.

“Charlie is a good example. He’s done really well at Fleetwood, he’s caught the eye, and he’s been an important player for them.

“It’s been a good experience for him, and he will be back in the summer when hopefully he will be in and around the first team squad."

Ironically, Simon will come up against two of his Leeds team-mates on Thursday with Killock and Lewis Turner both expected to start for Chester.

“Simon’s got to the point where he’s played a lot of under-21 football and he needs senior football now,” added Redfearn. 

“He needs that extra edge where there’s three points at stake, a crowd to play in front of, and real competitive games.

“He’s done well for the 21s this season and his development is coming along. He now needs to compete at this level.”