Leeds club record signing Georginio Rutter is gearing up to make his debut in Saturday’s FA Cup fourth-round draw in Accrington.
The France Under-21 striker, who was recently signed from Hoffenheim for a fee that could climb to £36m, was an unused substitute in Sunday’s 0-0 home Premier League tie against Brentford.
Leeds boss Jesse Marsch, who as a head coach has never lost to a lower league opponent, said: “Georgi looked really good in practice. I think there’s a good chance we’re starting with him and I think he’s been influenced by the training.
“He’s a smart guy and as a (former player) in Germany, he understands most of the principles we use, so I’m definitely excited to keep him going.”
Leeds have fallen victim to more trophy giants than their fans will want to remember in the past 20 years, when they held a miserable record in world football’s oldest knockout tournament.
Leeds was ousted by Cardiff, then placed third at the top of the former Premiership in 2002 and has since been swept away by the likes of Hereford, Histon, Rochdale, Sutton, Newport and Crawley.
Marsch won’t underestimate Sky Bet League One side Accrington after defeating Boreham Wood in the third round replay on Tuesday.
The American said: “When we were in the USA, we used to talk about the FA Cup even at the age of seven. We know very well what the tournament means.
“What it means in terms of David’s stance against Goliath and how this can be a very inspiring narrative.
“One of the reasons I think we always manage to get through cup moments like this with the teams I’m with is because I always want the team to play at full intensity.
“Never underestimate anything against lower league teams, which I think is perhaps the most important thing.
“When you step on the pitch you know it’s going to be a very difficult game, we play at the highest level, we go after the game physically and we run the game.”
Marsch, who will give late fitness tests to both Tyler Adams and Liam Cooper before lunch at Accrington begins, declined to comment on transfer speculations linking Leeds to Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie.
However, he has revealed that defender Cody Drameh is joining Championship team Luton on loan for the remainder of the season.
Marsch added: “I certainly see a future here[in Leeds]for Cody. He and I have built a pretty strong relationship over the past eight months.