Pablo Hernandez identifies importance of Leeds teammate Jack Clarke

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Pablo Hernandez has identified how important Leeds rookie Jack Clarke is within Marcelo Bielsa’s current squad.

The 18-year-old attacker has enjoyed a major breakthrough season at Elland and managed to become a first-team regular.

He has not been in action since he was treated by paramedics on the sidelines during the game with Middlesbrough in early February, something which thankfully was named as a virus and nothing more serious.

The winger has returned to light training (BBC Sport) and supporters can’t wait for him to return, but it won’t be against West Brom on Friday night.

Hernandez has made comments on the teenage sensation that indicate what a big role he has in the senior set-up.

“We’ve missed him and we hope he recovers fast. He’s a different player for us. He gives us something else,” Hernandez said, as quoted by Yorkshire Evening Post.

Clarke should certainly be encouraged by comments from Hernandez and know that he does belong at first-team level.

The English dazzler has the qualities to cause havoc on defences and his return should be a serious boost in the promotion run-in, as they have looked a little short of ideas without him.

He’s obviously still learning his game and is going to be inconsistent at times, but usually makes an impact when on the pitch and it’s easy to see why Bielsa has used him frequently this season.