Leeds United prospect Harry Gray urged to learn after testing start at Rotherham | OneFootball

Leeds United striker Harry Gray has been given pointers after a testing start to his loan at League One Rotherham United. The 17-year-old joined this month, debuting in a 3-2 defeat at Stockport County before starting the 1-1 draw with AFC Wimbledon and playing 78 minutes.

Rotherham manager Matt Hamshaw said: "It was just cramping up. Look, I'm having to manage people's minutes, and I think that was evident today. I'm starting them and them coming off is going to happen because they're one or two weeks off match fitness and sharpness." He was speaking to The Rotherham Advertiser.

Gray found experienced centre-backs Patrick Bauer and Ryan Johnson difficult to shake.

"Sam had a good partner up there in Harry. I just felt that Harry was getting latched on to their centre-backs a bit much and should have come off them and not had that battle. He's not going to win that battle at 17."

"They're the bits that he'll learn. He came off the defenders and got in those pockets, then you just saw him fatigue a little bit at the end."

Daniel Farke has said senior football is a different challenge from youth level and that the loan is a chance for Gray to show he is physically ready. He described a step-by-step pathway, with no shortcuts, and felt the move keeps the youngster close to his support while testing him in a tougher environment. Farke suggested that if Gray handles the demands, further steps could follow.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk