The striker completed a full training session with the club's first-team squad yesterday and his timely comeback has put him in contention to retake his place in Gary McAllister's line-up during Monday night's first leg at Elland Road.

Beckford has not played in any of United's last four league matches due to the ankle injury he suffered at Leyton Orient on April 5 and concern over his condition forced McAllister to omit him from Saturday's dead rubber against Gillingham, the final game of Leeds' 46-game term.

The 24-year-old, who has scored 20 league goals this season, trained alone on Tuesday but was allowed to rejoin McAllister's senior squad yesterday and he is expected to start alongside Dougie Freedman against Carlisle on Monday provided he comes safely through training sessions over the weekend.

McAllister, who gave his players today off, said: "He trained and he looked fine. He'll have a day's rest and then we'll be back in on Saturday and Sunday. Fingers crossed on that one."

Beckford's last appearance came against Carlisle at Elland Road on April 12, when he lasted for just 51 minutes but was clearly struggling to cope with his injury.

The striker wore a precautionary leg brace to Elland Road on Saturday but was able to carry out an individual training session on Tuesday and his successful return has left McAllister with a squad which is on the verge of full strength.

Alan Sheehan has two games of his three-match ban to serve and will miss both legs of the semi-final, but club captain Alan Thompson was an unused substitute on Saturday and is available after recovering from a calf strain.

McAllister said: "Everybody's fit and raring to go. There's a nice edge to training and competition's fierce."