Michael Skubala believes the 17- year-old has the potential to make it into Leeds United’s first team within a short time

Michael Skubala feels Charlie Crew has the ability to get into Leeds United’s first squad within the next two years.

Skubala, who left Elland Road earlier this week to take his first senior managerial position at Lincoln City, spoke to the Yorkshire Evening Post after Leeds U21s’ Premier League cup defeat to Chelsea on Sunday.

Skubala had been in charge of Leeds’ U21s for just over 18 months, with the exception of a brief stint as first team caretaker manager in February.

Several young players have made their first team debuts for Leeds over that time, but Archie Gray is without a doubt the biggest success story.

Gray, who is the same age as Crew, is now a completely established first team player at Leeds, with Daniel Farke starting him in 13 of the club’s 16 Championship games so far.

Crew could be next Leeds youngster to make senior breakthrough

Speaking on Crew’s potential, Skubala believes he still has a way to go physically before breaking into first team football, but thinks it could happen over the next ‘year or two’.

“He’s got real potential. We have to be careful because he’s got real potential but potential isn’t the end thing. He’s got real potential as a holding midfielder for me, a 6, his range of passing is really good, his aggression is really good. Physically he has still got a bit to go to be in first team football.

“But I think over the next sort of year or two you will really see him hopefully move up and become a really strong player as he starts to get more minutes in this team as well. But his attitude is first class, his discipline is first class and he’s a really good young pro.”

Gray has demonstrated to everyone at the Leeds academy that it is possible to break through, and Crew should look to him for inspiration.

Skubala is not the only person at Leeds to praise Crew, with Ethan Ampadu saying the same after practicing with him in Wales.

Crew may have to be patient because Leeds’ first team is packed with midfield alternatives, but everything stated about him appears to be positive.