Why Stuart Dallas is looking for positives in Leeds United's behind closed doors experience

Stuart Dallas admits that playing football behind closed doors will be a weird experience but hopes it can have a positive effect on Leeds United.

The Whites will return to competitive Championship action this weekend following a three month hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic.

United sit seven points clear of third-place Fulham with nine fixtures remaining in the race for promotion to the Premier League, and games will be played behind closed doors for the rest of the campaign amid the global health crisis.

Dallas, though, is hoping that he and his team-mates can adjust to the unfamiliar surroundings quickly.

"I hope it has a positive effect, but obviously it's going to be weird," the Northern Irishman told the club website.

"I don't think there's too many of us that have played in a stadium where there's no fans, so it is going to be strange at times.

"You do feed off the crowd, whether it be as a team or as individual players, but we've got a job to do, we know what's at stake and we know what we need to do. We'll be going all out to do as best we can.

"I'm sure we'll hear everyone shouting but it's something that I've not really thought too much about, I'm just thinking about the games, and getting the job done."

Asked about the return to training and competitive action this weekend, he said: "It's good to be back in, obviously we've been off for a while and doing our individual training.

"It's been great to see all the lads, I think that's what you miss most. You go from being with all the boys every day to not being with them for a while, so to get back in and start preparing for Cardiff has been nice.

"I can't wait, it's been too long now. I think I speak for everyone when I say we're looking forward to it, especially when we've got something to play for, giving us extra motivation to get the job done.

"We know what's ahead of us, we know how hard it's going to be, but we've continued to work during this period, and we need to be one step ahead of the other teams when we return.

"You can train as much as you want, but there's nothing quite like playing games, and Sunday can't come quick enough."