Scott Gardner: We are looking forward to it | OneFootball

Leeds United Under-21s have the chance to lift silverware at the end of their campaign on Tuesday evening, contesting the National League Cup Final against Sutton United at the VBS Community Stadium.

Ahead of the clash in the capital, Under-21s boss Scott Gardner discussed his thoughts on the encounter and how beneficial the competition has been for his young squad.

“We have had a little bit of time with the season finishing in terms of the league for us but the prep has not be any different and we are looking forward to it,” the coach said.

“Any exposure we can get against senior opposition and senior professionals is massive. I think we have stood up to the test really well, which is why we have got to the final and it is about finishing the job now.

“Every game has had a different test, a different exposure to the players. They have learned a lot and we have learned a lot about them in the time that we have been in this competition.

“Our focus is always on us and what we can do well with and without the ball. We don’t want to spend too much time thinking about the opposition. We obviously do our homework and we are not going to change that going into the final.

“It would round off what has been a strong year for us. A lot of younger players are playing up, having moved up from the Under-18s.

“We have had a young group, so I think it would cap off a really strong season for us. I think the players deserve to have something to show for at the end, but ultimately they are going to have to turn up on the night to deliver.

“I think this club has always been able to produce its own players and there is a lot of good work that goes on behind the scenes at all ages.

“It is not just when they arrive in the Under-21s, it starts with the younger age groups and the work that goes on there gets them to a point where they can arrive here in the condition that they are in.”