Leeds United youngster Jamie Shackleton could play in the Whites' crucial Premier League clash with Norwich City this weekend, according to Phil Hay.

The Lowdown: Shackleton catches the eye

This season has been a breakthrough one for Shackleton, who has made up for the absence of Luke Ayling at right-back and taken his chance.

The 22-year-old has featured in seven of Leeds' nine league games, starting four of them, with one fan describing him as a 'little diamond' earlier in the year.

Marcelo Bielsa's side are preparing to head to Norwich on Sunday afternoon and it could be that Shackleton is again called into action, having missed the Carabao Cup defeat at Arsenal in midweek.

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The Latest: Youngster set for more minutes

Writing on Twitter on Friday, Hay confirmed that the youngster 'has a chance' of being in contention to play at Elland Road, as Ayling continues to be out injured:

"Shackleton has a chance of being involved but no Luke Ayling. Still not ready to return. Bielsa says there's no precise return date set for Bamford, Ayling or Koch yet."

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The Verdict: Trusted player now

There may have been a time when playing Shackleton felt like a gamble, given his lack of experience, but he has been a consistent performer of late, racking up the third-highest average match rating in the squad this season (Whoscored).

It looks likely that he will continue at right-back against Norwich - he has the ability to thrive in midfield, too - and the hope is that he can inspire his team to a much-needed victory.

A pass completion rate of 89.6 percent in the league this season is highly impressive, outlining why Bielsa trusts Shackleton as a first-team regular now.

In other news, two important Leeds players are set to return for Leeds at Norwich. Find out who they are here.