How Jack Clarke is playing his way into Marcelo Bielsa's plans following Luton Town cameo

Birthday boy Jack Clarke made his first Championship appearance of the season on Saturday when he came on a late substitute in the 2-1 win at Luton Town.

The on-loan winger celebrated his 19th birthday with a 19-minute cameo off the bench at Kenilworth Road for his first taste of league action this term amid a challenging start to the campaign.

Clarke returned to Elland Road on loan this summer after securing a £10million move to Tottenham Hotspur, but with Leeds United well-stocked on the flanks, he has found opportunities hard to come by.

This has led to speculation that Spurs may look to recall the teenager when the transfer window reopens in January, but while his cameo against the Hatters only brought about nine touches, it does perhaps offer an indication that he may have a part to play in Leeds' promotion chase.

Following the win which saw Leeds move back into the top two, Bielsa revealed that it was his typically thorough approach to analyising his players' performances that led to Clarke's appearance.

"In the second match that he played with England, he had a very good match for us," Bielsa said, referring to Clarke's performances with England's under-20s side over the international break.

Clarke turned out twice for the Young Lions, the first as a half-time substitute in a 4-0 win over Portugal, which was followed by a start against Iceland, which saw Paul Simpson's side ease to a 3-0 win.

"We are always looking for different options: Pablo and Helder play on the right, Tyler and Pablo in the middle in the centre and Harrison, Costa and Clarke play on the left," Bielsa continued.

"The three places where the offensive play grows or stops because Bamford is less involved in the build-up and more involved in the finish. Klich, Ayling and Dallas, they had impact from behind. I wanted to refresh the two wingers positions and playmaker."

Leeds have a second game in four days on Tuesday evening when they make the trip to Reading as they gear up for the busy festive period, where Bielsa will no doubt look to call on more members of his squad.

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