Peacock-Farrell must stay resilient in face of another challenge as Leeds’ first-choice

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For talented young players breaking through, the early months of their career are just about playing.

It looks like the easiest thing in the world; a teenage talent just focusing on doing their best when they cross the white line. The simplicity of it and the natural joy of seeing a young man living his dream endears him to the fans.

But somewhere down the line, the serious stuff kicks in. It’s happening to Declan Rice at West Ham; a young talent now in the midst of a contract stand-off and a debate over his international future.

It’s happening at Leeds United’s bitter rivals Manchester United; their golden boy Marcus Rashford is suffering in the spotlight that comes with a loss of form.

Now it’s happening to Bailey Peacock-Farrell. He came back strongly after Birmingham’s Che Adams’ bizarre strike last month and on Saturday, he was at the centre of a controversial penalty decision which allowed Brentford to take the lead.

The Northern Irishman was not really at fault; Ollie Watkins was already going down when he made contact, although he did come steaming out.

Dermot Gallagher says it was a penalty; many fans would say it was not. Either way, it’s another big mental test; another big moment for a young man to be at the centre of. He must come through it stronger.