Lineker Praises Leicester’s Youth Development

Gary Lineker says it is pleasing to see young players coming through the ranks at Leicester and given a chance to shine. In an age where buying players from abroad is the norm, the Foxes continue to pluck talent from local clubs and help them progress through the Academy in the hope they will become prominent members of the senior side.

Lineker was spotted playing for Aylestone Park back in 1976 and was snapped up City, whilst more recently the likes of Harvey Barnes and Hamza Choudhury have come through the ranks after being scouted when turning out for Whetstone Juniors and Loughborough FC respectively.

Former England international Lineker, who spent seven years playing for Leicester from 1978-1985, says it is great to see the young players in local areas are still being given the opportunity to make it as a footballer. “It is brilliant to see local lads play for City,” he told the Mercury.

“It always was when I was playing and we produced a few then, but if you can get local lads to play for your local team then it makes it all the more special. “It is hard, we know how hard it is to make it as a professional.

The fact that we have had one or two – Choudhury and Barnes have broken into the first team this season and they look really good prospects, so that is hugely encouraging.

“It is really important to produce local youngsters, especially in the modern age when players are so expensive. If you can produce your own then it obviously makes a massive difference.”