A feel good factor has emerged at Leeds United in recent months due to the enormity of the impact which Marcelo Bielsa has had on the club, but it's not only the short-term future which supporters should be feeling optimistic about. 

Leeds' fantastic opening to the season has evoked a genuine sense of optimism for the season ahead with the supporters already daring to dream about promotion.

The Whites are currently two points adrift of league leaders Sheffield United in 3rd place in the Championship, and the manner in which they have adapted to Bielsa's new philosophy suggests that the players have rapidly immersed themselves in the possession-based style of football he notoriously swears by.

But the international break has temporarily eased the hype at the club with no fixture set to take place until the 20th of October, and Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Phil Hay has used the opportunity to discuss the future with Leeds' head of academy coaching, Richard Cresswell.

In response to Hay's Twitter post linking his article on Cresswell, one supporter asked him if he believed there were any outstanding individuals to watch out for. This was Hay's response...

Leeds supporters are well aware of Jamie Shackleton's promise following his brilliant stand-in performance at right-back against Swansea City earlier in the season, whilst Jack Clarke was discussed as a potential option following Kemar Roofe's injury.

Robbie Gotts is more of a fringe figure in regards to his chances of earning a call-up to the senior squad, but Hay's admission certainly suggests that he is a player who supporters should be keeping a close eye on in the years to come.

That Shackleton made another cameo appearance against Hull City at the KC Stadium proves that he is in Bielsa's thinking and should grow in prominence as the season develops, and out of the three aforementioned talents he looks the most likely to break into the senior squad.

Either way, the future looks bright for Leeds United based on murmurs emerging from the academy.

Leeds fans - thoughts? Let us know below!