England recognition for Patrick Bamford and Luke Ayling would provide more than just pride and joy for them and their families.
Should Gareth Southgate include them for the forthcoming internationals it would also send a message to Leeds United’s top brass at Elland Road.
Head coach Marcelo Bielsa was asked what their inclusions would say about the Whites as well as the players in the 2pm announcement.
Beyond the England announcement, there is a growing raft of players from United being called up by senior and age-group international sides.
Naturally, Bielsa reserved the boldest praise and recognition for the players themselves and what they have sacrificed for their careers, but did take a steer on it for club matters.
“It's recognition first of all for the players and secondly, it's recognition for the project of the club,” he said. “The structure of the squad to compete in the Premier League.”
Furthermore, Bielsa said it would be justification for the likes of Andrea Radrizzani and Victor Orta, for the work they do and the decisions they have made in West Yorkshire.
In simple terms, if players bought by the club are then being recognised by their countries it’s a sign they are making the right purchases.
“It's a project that has been developed by the president of the club, the sporting director and the technical staff,” said Bielsa.
“The president of the club, because he is the physical head of the club because he is the one who picks the sporting director and the technical staff.
“After the sporting director chooses and the players compete.
“To compete in the Premier League is what opens up the possibilities and they do it within a team the authorities permit this group was to be formed, that the sporting director profiles and then they compete.
“So it's an achievement that makes the player proud and it shows the proposition the club made, or they hoped for, was the correct one.”
