Ben Parker makes Joe Gelhardt prediction as Leeds Under-23’s beat Sunderland

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Leeds United’s Under-23 side produced an excellent performance to beat Sunderland’s reserve team 3-1 on Monday afternoon in Premier League 2 – and Ben Parker has claimed Joe Gelhardt could be in the first team soon, following his display.

Mark Jackson’s second string went into the match having secured just a point from their opening two Premier League 2 games. A 4-0 defeat to Stoke City was followed by a 2-2 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers.

But a Sam Greenwood hat-trick put paid to that, securing all three points on Wearside. Gelhardt created the first with an incisive pass, as Greenwood tapped home. The second came after Gelhardt won a free-kick, curled expertly in by Greenwood.

The former Arsenal man then made it three after being played through by Stuart McKinstry, while Sunderland scored a late penalty. Greenwood got the goals by Gelhardt was excellent, and Parker suggested he could break into the senior side soon.

“That chop inside was a thing of beauty,” Parker said as co-commentator on LUTV. “I hope we aren’t going to be watching him too many times for the Under-23 side, surely he’ll be knocking on the door for the first team with these performances.“

TBR’s view – What are the chances Gelhardt has of first-team football?

Patrick Bamford remains the club’s first-choice striker and has continued to be pivotal this season, scoring three Premier League goals in three outings. He scored the only goal of the game in a 1-0 win over Sheffield United on Sunday.

That form is keeping club-record signing Rodrigo on the sidelines. Meanwhile, Tyler Roberts is likely to be preferred to £1million (Sun) signing Gelhardt – but after the initial three options, Bielsa could well turn to Gelhardt if required.