Leeds United’s loss is poised to be Hull City’s gain.

Teenage goalkeeper Rory Watson has agreed to pen a two-year youth-team contract with the Tigers three years after he was discarded by the Elland Road club for being “too small”.

Now standing at 6ft 1in tall, the Bishopthorpe-based 16-year-old has taken the first steps to carving out a professional career with Leeds’ npower Championship rivals.

The Tadcaster Grammar School pupil took an unconventional route to donning the gloves.

Originally a striker, he was due to be scouted by Leeds United while he was playing for junior outfit Bishopthorpe White Rose at the age of ten.

However, just before the game started the White Rose ranks discovered they were without a ’keeper.

In stepped Watson and he so impressed the Leeds scout that soon after he joined the Whites on schoolboy terms.

But after deciding he was not tall enough Leeds cut the youngster loose three years ago since when he joined Hull City, where he is now coached by former Manchester United and Bradford City goalkeeper Gary Walsh.

Said Watson: “I was disappointed when Leeds let me go. I just wanted to prove them wrong.

“So far it’s been brilliant at Hull. Gary Walsh is a great coach and I just want to go as far as possible.”