Leeds United: Lewie coiled and ready to spring into first-team actionLeeds United's Lewie Coyle is keeping in shape in readiness for a first-team call.
Phil Hay
07:52 Wednesday 23 December 2015
Lewie Coyle wants Leeds United to shelve any plans to loan him out in January after taking a step closer to his first-team debut.
The young right-back was previously open to the idea of moving into the lower leagues and came close to joining York City last month but his appearances on the bench during United’s last two games have changed his mind.
Coyle, 20, was named as a substitute by Steve Evans for Thursday’s 3-2 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers – his first inclusion in a matchday squad – and he retained his place in the 18 during Sunday’s victory against Preston North End.
Evans turned to Coyle after losing Gaetano Berardi to an ankle ligament injury a fortnight ago. Berardi could well be missing for around eight weeks.
Leeds, meanwhile, are ready to listen to offers for Sam Byram in the January transfer window after the 22-year-old turned down an offer to extend a contract which expires at the end of this term.
Byram’s exit would leave Scott Wootton as United’s only experienced right-back.
Under-21s captain Coyle, who recently secured a new two-year deal, said: “A loan move did come about recently but with all the time I’ve had amongst it and around the first team I think it would be daft for me to go out on loan at the minute.
“If a loan happens it happens but first and foremost I do want to be at Leeds United.â€
United had a heavy academy presence in their squad on Sunday, with no fewer than seven youth-team products included in Evans’ 18.
“It’s evident that there’s a pathway for youngsters here,†Coyle said. “If I keep doing well, hopefully I’ll get my chance and I’ll be one of them.
“I train with the (first team) most days and it was nice to finally be included in the squad. Hopefully the chance will come for me to eventually make my debut.
“It’s all good experience as a young player, seeing what goes on on a matchday and the preparation the night before. It’s going to do me the world of good.â€
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