Leeds United youngster Jamie Shackleton has been speaking to the Yorkshire Evening Press about the competition for places at Elland Road, saying a competitive environment is key for success.
Young midfielder Jamie Shackleton featured frequently for Leeds United last season, coming in to play in the midfield as well as at right-back when required. However, since the start of the season, he has found his chances more limited.
Shackleton has made three appearances in the Championship so far, coming off the bench against Wigan Athletic and Stoke City for brief cameo appearances before starting against Barnsley at the weekend.
Despite playing just 95 minutes of Championship football so far this season, Shackleton is remaining focused on keeping fit and being ready when called upon – as he was against Barnsley at the weekend. The youngster said:
“Everyone in the squad wants the same thing. Everyone is fit, everyone is ready to play and whether you are in the starting XI or on the bench, like you saw when the lads went on from the bench and got the first goal, everyone is so together.
“Everyone is pushing in the same direction whether you are starting the game or on the bench because once your chance comes you have got to be ready. The competition for places is key. We have got depth in each position, people coming off the bench like Eddie coming on and he is scoring goals.
“It’s vital really that people are competing for places and it’s a positive, competitive environment really for everyone to work in. Everyone wants to be starting games, everyone wants to be playing 90 minutes and that’s the key thing.
“That’s what everyone wants and, if you have to be patient and you have to wait for that, then, fair enough, but everyone is ready when the chance comes to step in and the starting XI will be just as strong.”
