Linfield boss David Healy reveals his hope for Leeds United new boy Charlie Allen

DAVID Healy knows the size, stature and expectations of his former club Leeds United, so exercises caution when talking about teenager and Elland Road new boy Charlie Allen.
NEW BOY - Charlie Allen, right, in action against Manchester United for his county in the Milk Cup, has joined Leeds United from David Healy's Linfield. Pic: GettyNEW BOY - Charlie Allen, right, in action against Manchester United for his county in the Milk Cup, has joined Leeds United from David Healy's Linfield. Pic: Getty
NEW BOY - Charlie Allen, right, in action against Manchester United for his county in the Milk Cup, has joined Leeds United from David Healy's Linfield. Pic: Getty

The Linfield boss and former Whites striker is over the moon that one of his young players has made the move across the Irish Sea to a club he is so fond of.

It's not only a big, exciting development in the career of someone Healy has nurtured, Allen's move adds weight to Healy's argument that the Irish League and champions Linfield in particular can help players progress towards the 'big time' in British football.

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Prior to Allen joining the Whites, Healy had been using the other Ulsterman in the Leeds squad as a prime example of the pathway available to good footballers in Northern Ireland.

"I think Stuart Dallas gives hope," said Healy.

"The way he came through, Coagh United, Crusaders then Brentford, on to Leeds and now the Premier League.

"It's an easy one for us in the Irish League to say to players, hold on, don't think you'll never get an opportunity, look at the route Stuart Dallas has taken.

"Someone like Stuart had to bide his time and when his opportunity came he grasped it.

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"It's an easy one for me to sell to young players here who feel like they're never going to get an opportunity in England. I just say look at Stuart Dallas."

Others, like Allen, don't have to wait so long.

The 16-year-old flew out of Belfast and into his new life on Sunday night.

Healy hopes to see him become a good signing for Leeds, but refused to add any unnecessary hype or expectation when that comes as part of the deal when you move to Elland Road.

"Charlie is very good," he said.

"You always try and be careful with young players that you don't label them, you don't say he's similar to him, or he's got this or that attribute.

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"He's a great kid who will hopefully thrive in the environment of Leeds United.

"He's been in and around us for a little while. You don't want to give them too much exposure and you don't want to give them too little, so you try just to give them enough, an opportunity.

"He wants to learn, can play in two or three different positions along the front.

"I'm hoping, in time, in and around the youth ranks and moving up over the next couple of years that he'll be a good addition to Leeds United Football Club."