Eddie Gray has claimed one Leeds United player will shine at Wembley if Daniel Farke decides to pick him in the starting line-up to take on Southampton on Sunday afternoon.
Leeds take on Southampton this weekend at Wembley, with The Whites coming into the game having won back their “mojo” according to Shaka Hislop after a stunning 4-0 win over Norwich last Thursday.
Connor Roberts and Dan James are fit again while Patrick Bamford is fighting to be a part of the side that face Russell Martin’s men at Wembley on the weekend, but Sam Byram may be unavailable due to injury.
Southampton meanwhile, come into the game with confidence having beaten Leeds both home and away in the regular season with the last win coming on the final day of the 2023-24 Championship campaign.
Martin is confident Che Adams and Ross Stewart will be available for the clash at Wembley with both of the Saints strikers unable to play in the second leg, Stewart left on the bench and Adams in the stands.
Gray spoke to ITV ahead of Sunday’s clash against Southampton at Wembley and the Leeds legend thinks that if Archie Gray gets the nod to start, then his great nephew will shine at the home of English football.
Eddie Gray backs great nephew Archie Gray to shine on Sunday
The chances are that Daniel Farke will start Gray on the right side of the defence, with the England U21 man starring against Norwich in the second leg at Elland Road as Leeds went on to win 4-0 with ease.
Roberts is fit and Farke may decide to go with experience in what is a massive game, but it would be incredibly harsh to drop Gray after his performance against Norwich last time out to reach the final.
Leeds legend Gray said: “It makes me feel proud. To see another family member go out on a big occasion at Wembley, it’s a great occasion. I think he’ll handle it [the occasion], he’s in the side as a young player.
“If he plays, and no-one knows what the team is going to be, I think he will handle it well. He’s got a good attitude towards the game. He loves his football, so hopefully he will play and Leeds United get a result.”
Gray is becoming a leader at Leeds behind the scenes
The 18-year-old has already clocked up 51 appearances for Leeds since making his debut on the opening day of the current season, as Farke pinned his hat on Gray during the 2-2 draw against Cardiff City.
Liam Cooper also spoke this week and pinpointed the leaders Leeds have in the dressing room. Cooper says that “in his own way”, Gray is becoming a leader in the Leeds dressing room even at his tender age.
“We’re lucky now, we’ve got plenty of leaders. Ethan has been brilliant, Stuey [Dallas] has been about the place. Obviously Luke [Ayling] was there at the start. Even young Archie [Gray] leads in his own way.”