Joe White was thrown in at the deep end with Newcastle United's first-team in the summer of 2019 and instantly caught the eye of Steve Bruce.
Signed from Carlisle, the 6ft 2in ball playing midfielder has impressed in the last couple of years but was struck by injury earlier this season.
White hasn't been helped by the pandemic either with the Covid bubble system in place at United making it far from easy for youngsters to simply walk over the training pitches for late call-ups to the senior squad.
His team-mate Elliot Anderson benefited from that scenario after being called up to the first-team and staying with them last summer before being handed a long-term contract.
Now White hopes that he can force his way into the bigger picture at United - hopefully with a good show against Leeds.
Speaking ahead of the game, White said: "In games like this, it's important that we play with no fear and make sure we have no regrets after the game.
"The bigger the game, the more nervous some people can be so it's important we leave everything on the pitch.
"We need to show courage, believe in ourselves and hopefully the result will take care of itself."
United knocked Huddersfield out in the competition way back in December before the cup was frozen due to uncertainties caused by the pandemic.
Now, coach Neil Winskill, whose side sit third bottom in the Academy league, is eager to progress in the FA Youth Cup.
They face Leeds today and then possibly Watford at St James' Park in the fifth round.
Winskill, speaking to nufc.co.uk, said: "It's unfortunate that this game is not at St. James', but the two games I've been head coach of the under-18s in the Youth Cup have both been away so it was really nice to see us get a home tie - and if they can get through on Saturday and perform, they've potentially got two home ties in the next two rounds, so hopefully one of those will be at St. James' Park.
"I know the lads would be absolutely thrilled if that was the case."
