Daniel Farke sets Leeds United new boy challenge amid 'physicality' warning

Leeds United new boy Isaac Schmidt has the potential to become an important player for the club - but manager Daniel Farke insists he needs to be given the time to develop.

The Switzerland Under-19 international was a late transfer window arrival at Elland Road, and was signed too late to make his debut against Hull City, when fellow new boys Manor Solomon, Ao Tanaka and Largie Ramazani made their first appearances in a white shirt.

Schmidt has been signed to offer serious competition in the full-back positions, with Leeds now having four strong options in Jayden Bogle, Junior Firpo, Sam Byram and now Schmidt. Farke has already been impressed with the attitude shown by the 24-year-old since signing from St Gallen at the end of August, but warned not to expect too much too soon from the latest signing.

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"He's a great guy and a really good age, still on his way up the hill in his career," the Leeds boss said of Schmidt. "He has a great mentality and is desperate to play for the shirt and the club. He has a great character and will be a great team-mate - the lads love him already.

"But you have to keep in mind that so far he has not played in any of the top five leagues in Europe, so this is a different scenario to play in this country and this physical league. The Premier League is the best league in the world but the Championship is the toughest due to the load with the games and the physicality.

"We will give him the time to adapt to this and we have some proper options in the full-back position. It's not like he has to come straight in and cut the league to pieces. He's an important squad player and we will work with him and lift his potential to make the best possible player out of him. Then it's up to him to grab the chance with both hands, to make the step through the door.

"When a player has not played at this level it's always difficult to give a guarantee that he will one day be the best full-back in this league but he has lots of potential and a great mentality and character."

Schmidt comes into the squad for tomorrow's Championship showdown with Burnley at Elland Road with Patrick Bamford potentially available again after returning to training this week. However, Max Wober will miss the game with a knee issue, while winger Dan James will be out of action until October.