Certain keepers are destined to remain permanently attached to the substitutes' bench – Ian Bennett played four times in his one season at Leeds United – but the opportunity given to Lucas by Gary McAllister is one he has craved.

Lucas signed for Leeds almost 12 months ago to the day. But his first year with the club comprised a mere eight appearances, despite his almost statutory presence in United's match-day squad.

For a time, the situation suited him. The severe cruciate knee injury he sustained a year-and-a-half earlier had raised credible doubts about the continuation of his career, and Lucas was content to prove to himself that his body could still cope with the daily routine of a professional footballer.

But that feeling of contentment could not last permanently.

Twice in his earlier years Lucas won promotion from England's third division, initially with Preston North End and latterly with Sheffield Wednesday, and the position of second-choice sat uncomfortably with him.

The 30-year-old has become a more-than-willing combatant in the straight fight for selection with Casper Ankergren, a battle which he moved ahead in last Saturday and is expected to win again before tomorrow's match between Leeds and Crewe Alexandra at Elland Road.

"I've been on the bench for so long and it does get to you after a bit," Lucas said. "It's tough just sitting there.

"It (being second choice) is a mindset I've never really been into, but because I came here after a bad injury and after finding my feet at Barnsley for six months I didn't have a great deal of football under my belt.

"It was a case of keeping my head down because I wasn't 100 per cent sure whether I could train day-in, day-out. I hadn't done it for a while. It was like proving to myself that I could play football again, and over a sustained period of time.

"Last season I was happy to stay fit and train every day, and not even think about my knee.