Leeds United youngster star of the show in seven-goal thriller while midfield injury tension eased

The 20-year-old forward scored a first-half hat-trick for La Rojita against Kazakhstan in the southern city of Cadiz, taking his tally for Spain's U21 side to five goals in four appearances since switching allegiances from England's youth setup.

Goals have been hard to come by for the youngster at domestic level this season, although he has mostly retained the No. 9 spot in Daniel Farke's starting line-up, deemed a suitable fit for the style Leeds have endeavoured to play.

Joseph was rested from the start in the 2-2 draw with Sunderland prior to this month's international break, replaced by Joel Piroe who found the net with a deft header during the first half at the Stadium of Light.

Nevertheless, Joseph returned to scoresheet with Spain's premier youth side, restoring parity on 15 minutes after an early Kazakh opener.

Shortly thereafter, Joseph was on hand to apply a finish once more, reacting fastest to a loose ball inside the penalty area and firing into an empty net. Then, on the stroke of half-time, Joseph completed his hat-trick, drifting free of his marker at the back post and nodding in a third of the evening.

He was substituted on 60 minutes as part of a triple change, which appeared to be a tactical, planned switch by head coach Santi Denia, which no doubt will please Leeds figures given the club's present injury list.

Spain allowed two second half concessions to the Kazakh side but held on for a 4-3 victory having already qualified for next summer's U21 Euros as Group B winners.

Joseph is a Spanish-born dual national through his parentage but reaffirmed his desire to represent Spain's national team, as well as Leeds' goal to clinch promotion during a post-match interview.

“Very happy to represent my country, I have always wanted to be here. My goal is to do the best I can with Leeds, to get promoted, which is where the club deserves to be," he told Spanish media.

Elsewhere on Thursday evening, midfielder Ao Tanaka was an unused substitute for Japan in Jeddah as the Blue Samurai ran out 2-0 winners over Saudi Arabia in FIFA World Cup qualifying.

The 26-year-old is set to play a vital role in Leeds' midfield following serious knee injuries to Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev, therefore his non-involvement for Japan will allay any fears that the summer signing from Fortuna Dusseldorf may have picked up a knock and therefore become unavailable.

Japan's next game is at home against Australia, three days before Leeds take on Sheffield United at Elland Road in their return to domestic action.