Nohan Kenneh to Hibs: Why highly-rated Leeds youngster swapped EPL for Easter Road

Speak to those in and around Leeds United and Nohan Kenneh has plenty to offer the football world. A youngster with admirable attributes, they were disappointed to realise that the teenager lacked the one vital commodity needed to prolong his stay in Yorkshire - patience.

An England youth international, who is highly-regarded in Yorkshire as a hardworking and hungry rising star, those who have worked with him agree he has the potential to go far, but he is also a player who wants to do that sooner rather than later.

Not content with life on the periphery of the first team squad, he turned down a new deal with the English Premier League outfit to seek out regular first team action. Those who have worked with him and watched him since he joined Leeds’ youth academy eight years ago, say that is the Elland Road side’s loss and Hibs’ gain.

The Liberian-born 19-year-old moved to the UK when he was six and has worked hard to enhance his natural talent and the fact he is not willing to just sit on his hands accepting the kudos and wage that comes with being at an English top tier side only underlines his self-drive and the belief that he is ready to progress beyond the U-23s.

A shining light in Andrew Taylor’s U23 squad throughout the past campaign, he made 24 appearances in the Premier League 2 side, contributing one goal and an assist despite playing in the middle of defence or as a sitting midfielder.

“I've been asked a lot what I see as my preferred position and it's a holding midfielder or a number six,” said the player, who will have his three-year deal at Hibs ratified when his current Leeds deal expires on July 1. “I feel that the position brings out the best in me. I like to break up play, and play it forward quickly.