CLARKE ODUOR: IT WAS SUCH A PROUD MOMENT
It's been an exciting 48 hours for a number of our U23s players, as they went from being involved in Sunday's FA Cup clash, to going joint-top of the Professional Development League after defeating rivals Hull City 3-1.
Together with Kun Temenuzhkov, Academy player Clarke Oduor made his debut in the second half at Loftus Road, before playing a full 90 minutes the next day against The Tigers.
Describing the moment that he took to the pitch to make his senior debut for The Whites, Oduor said: "It was such a proud moment for me and my family. I've been here since I was young and coming through the Leeds United Academy, it was just great to step out in front of the crowd.
"I found out just before training the day before, and when I was told I was going to be in the squad, I was just in a bit of disbelief.
"The FA Cup is a great competition, and it's got a great history for young lads stepping up to make their debuts, and it was an honour to be the next person to do it.
"When you're with the first team, it's a lot more competitive, there's a lot more going on, and you've got to be on it every minute. For a young player, it's a great opportunity to learn from, and take that back to the U23s."
With little time to settle back at Thorp Arch, Oduor was back on the road the following day, as Carlos Corberan's U23s took the short trip to the Roy West Centre in Hull, running out 3-1 winners.
Going level with Birmingham in the league, Odour talked about the side's season so far: "It's been great. There's a good bunch of lads amongst the U23s, we're on form this season, and the atmosphere amongst the team is amazing.
"There's been a big change at Thorp Arch, in that the U23s and the first team are more integrated. The lads are in and around it, you get a feeling for it, you know what to expect, and it's just more enjoyable.

"The aim is to win the league. We're doing well, we're joint top, and we just need to keep going until the end of the season. Hopefully we can win it."
Clarke's aim for the rest of the season? "I just want to keep working hard in training, show that desire, and hopefully catch the eye of the gaffer."