Reading V Leeds United: Fit again Byram back in contention
YEP 17/9/13
by Leon Wobschall
Sam Byram has put himself in contention for a first-team return in Leeds United’s clash at Reading tomorrow night with another ninety-minute run-out for the development squad.
The highly-talented right-back, who turned 20 yesterday, featured in the 2-0 loss at Birmingham City and could be handed a belated birthday present if Lee Peltier is ruled out of the Royals clash – a first Championship appearance since April 20.
Byram, who is reportedly being monitored by Newcastle United – the latest in a long line of Premier League clubs who are tracking his progress – followed up his first full ninety minutes of the season in a behind-closed doors friendly against Sunderland at Thorp Arch at the start of last week with another against Blues.
While keeping coy on the subject of a first-team comeback for Byram, boss Brian McDermott has spoken about his return “getting close” – and his availability this week could be particularly timely with former skipper Peltier limping out of the weekend win at Bolton with a groin strain, centre-back Tom Lees coming on to replace him.
McDermott has spoken about the pending return to first-team action of Byram – following a five-month battle with a hip problem - equating to a major new signing, while being loathe to put a date on it.
Meanwhile, McDermott has hailed the impact made by new signing Scott Wootton and feels the central defender will get even better when an extended run of games.
The 22-year-old already looks to have formed a solid partnership in the heart of the defence with Jason Pearce, with the pair in resolute form in Saturday’s 1-0 victory at Bolton.
McDermott said: “Scott Wootton was excellent on Saturday. He was a class act. He’ll get stronger with games and he looks to be a really good acquisition.
“But the clean sheet was not just about the back four, it’s about the front three too. We’re looking for them to work hard and if they don’t then you don’t get clean sheets.”
Saturday’s goal hero Luke Varney insists competition for places is bringing out the best in United, with the unity and sense of purpose shown by everyone connected with the club at the Reebok Stadium - players, staff and 4,800 travelling fans - also a hugely positive sign for the weeks and months ahead.
He said: “You look across the squad, we’ve got good strikers such as Dom Poleon and Matt Smith and we’ve got competition all over the place.
“That’s healthy and whoever comes in, we’re all trying to pull in that right direction.
“The support we had on Saturday was magnificent. I didn’t realise we had fans in the top tier too and that makes it all the better. It’s fantastic support and to get a win made it all the better.”
Goals from giant striker Nikola Zigic and Akwasi Asante saw Birmingham prevail 2-0 in United’s return to action in the Under-21 Professional Development League North yesterday afternoon.
United: Grimes, Byram, Killock, Taylor, Denton (Coyle), Lenighan, Norris, Hall, Dawson (Stokes), Parkin (Cook), Walters. Subs not used. Atkinson, Philips.
Tomnorrow’s opponents Reading will be without the services of Russian international striker Pavel Pogrebnyak following his dismissal for the Royals in Sunday’s home stalemate with Brighton.
by Leon Wobschall
Sam Byram has put himself in contention for a first-team return in Leeds United’s clash at Reading tomorrow night with another ninety-minute run-out for the development squad.
The highly-talented right-back, who turned 20 yesterday, featured in the 2-0 loss at Birmingham City and could be handed a belated birthday present if Lee Peltier is ruled out of the Royals clash – a first Championship appearance since April 20.
Byram, who is reportedly being monitored by Newcastle United – the latest in a long line of Premier League clubs who are tracking his progress – followed up his first full ninety minutes of the season in a behind-closed doors friendly against Sunderland at Thorp Arch at the start of last week with another against Blues.
While keeping coy on the subject of a first-team comeback for Byram, boss Brian McDermott has spoken about his return “getting close” – and his availability this week could be particularly timely with former skipper Peltier limping out of the weekend win at Bolton with a groin strain, centre-back Tom Lees coming on to replace him.
McDermott has spoken about the pending return to first-team action of Byram – following a five-month battle with a hip problem - equating to a major new signing, while being loathe to put a date on it.
Meanwhile, McDermott has hailed the impact made by new signing Scott Wootton and feels the central defender will get even better when an extended run of games.
The 22-year-old already looks to have formed a solid partnership in the heart of the defence with Jason Pearce, with the pair in resolute form in Saturday’s 1-0 victory at Bolton.
McDermott said: “Scott Wootton was excellent on Saturday. He was a class act. He’ll get stronger with games and he looks to be a really good acquisition.
“But the clean sheet was not just about the back four, it’s about the front three too. We’re looking for them to work hard and if they don’t then you don’t get clean sheets.”
Saturday’s goal hero Luke Varney insists competition for places is bringing out the best in United, with the unity and sense of purpose shown by everyone connected with the club at the Reebok Stadium - players, staff and 4,800 travelling fans - also a hugely positive sign for the weeks and months ahead.
He said: “You look across the squad, we’ve got good strikers such as Dom Poleon and Matt Smith and we’ve got competition all over the place.
“That’s healthy and whoever comes in, we’re all trying to pull in that right direction.
“The support we had on Saturday was magnificent. I didn’t realise we had fans in the top tier too and that makes it all the better. It’s fantastic support and to get a win made it all the better.”
Goals from giant striker Nikola Zigic and Akwasi Asante saw Birmingham prevail 2-0 in United’s return to action in the Under-21 Professional Development League North yesterday afternoon.
United: Grimes, Byram, Killock, Taylor, Denton (Coyle), Lenighan, Norris, Hall, Dawson (Stokes), Parkin (Cook), Walters. Subs not used. Atkinson, Philips.
Tomnorrow’s opponents Reading will be without the services of Russian international striker Pavel Pogrebnyak following his dismissal for the Royals in Sunday’s home stalemate with Brighton.