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Leeds United's Elding shown signs of improvement
Gary McAllister has admitted that he will remove Anthony Elding from Leeds United's starting line-up with regret after watching the striker make the most of his recent opportunity.
Elding has started United's last two matches in the absence of the injured Jermaine Beckford, and he contributed to the important wins over Millwall and Yeovil Town which guaranteed United a top-six finish in League One.
The striker – a January signing from Stockport County – had been largely restricted to substitute appearances during the initial stages of McAllister's reign and he is likely to return to the bench once Beckford recovers from his ankle problem.
United's 20-goal forward and player of the year is in line to make his comeback against Gillingham at Elland Road this weekend, and he and Dougie Freedman will operate as McAllister's first-choice strikeforce during the League One play-offs, provided both players are fit.
But McAllister said: "I've seen definite signs of improvement from Anthony.
"He's stepped in for two important matches and he's done well up front.
"It's obviously unfortunate for him that with Jermaine coming back he might have to make way.
"But you look for players to come in and make a strong contribution and
I feel that he's done that."
Beckford's return will leave United at virtually full-strength for the play-offs, with the exception of left-back Alan Sheehan who begins a three-match ban on Saturday.
Despite the club's on-going fight to overturn their 15-point deduction – a battle which was due to end at 5pm today and which could still hand automatic promotion to the Elland Road club – McAllister and his players are preparing themselves for the play-offs after securing their place in the top-six last week.
Full-back Frazer Richardson said: "It's been a long hard season but we're there and we're looking to go all the way.
"We don't know who we'll play in the play-offs but we're determined and focused to go on from here.
"Everyone can feel proud and part of the collective.
"We've been striving for something all season and everyone has played a part in that."
The few remaining tickets for Saturday's clash with Gillingham sold out yesterday, ensuring that a capacity crowd will attend the final game of the season at Elland Road.
An extra 850 tickets were put on sale by Leeds this week but they were
purchased in a matter of hours yesterday.
The attendance on Saturday expected to be the highest in the Football League this season.
United have nothing riding on the fixture and McAllister may name a number of academy players in his squad, but Gillingham are still fighting to retain their League One status and need a win on Saturday to remain in the division.
The Kent club lie third- from-bottom in Coca-Cola League One, two points from safety.
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Weather for Leeds
Sunday 12 February 2012
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 1 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 4 C to 8 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: West
