Young United full-back Ben Parker is looking to make a big impression over the next few weeks, starting in tomorrow night's Johnstone's Paint Trophy northern section quarter-final against Bury at Elland Road. Parker, a life-long Leeds fan, is ready to stake a claim for a permanent role in boss Dennis Wise's starting line-up, with regular left-back Jamie Clapham returning to parent club Wolverhampton Wanderers later this month.
Ben, who is expected to retain his place for the knock-out clash with the Shakers, has played in every one of United's cup matches this season, and enjoyed the 'buzz' around Edgar Street during the FA Cup clash at Hereford last Friday. 'It was quite an intimidating atmosphere down there, a bit different from Elland Road. It sounded like there were 20,000 in there and it made for a good atmosphere, it was more or less their cup final and we held out strongly at the end.'
Parker, who turns 20 on Wednesday, added: 'My aim is to be playing again tomorrow night and that would be fantastic if it happens. But if not I will support whoever plays. I think Jamie's loan finishes after the Swindon game but, whatever happens, if they bring someone in then that's up to the gaffer. But he knows that I'm ready and if he needs to call on me I will be more than willing to take the shirt.'
Although the cup games are coming thick and fast at the moment Ben is under no illusions as to where Leeds priorities lie. 'First and foremost our main objective is to get out of League One. We are too big a club to be in that division, but that is where we are. Our main aim is to get out of there and if anything comes after that then we'll take it. A trip to Wembley would be lovely for the boys and the fans. After the last few years they have gone through it would be great for them too.'
