LEEDS United striker Rob Hulse, who injured an ankle on the club's pre-season tour of Norway, will be out for two weeks.

He was hurt after being tackled by a Haugesund player on Wednesday night and will miss the friendlies against Stavanger tomorrow and Darlington on Wednesday, July 20. He is also doubtful for the prestigious game against Celtic on Sunday, July 24, and the match against Grimsby on Tuesday, July 26. All the pre-season games are away from home.

Ian Bennett has wasted no time in throwing down the gauntlet to United's injured goalkeeper Neil Sullivan.

Bennett, signed from Birmingham to provide keen competition for the goalkeeping jersey, impressed in United's 1-0 defeat against Haugesund and receives another chance to shine against Stavanger tomorrow.

Sullivan had a shoulder operation at the end of last season and although he has missed the trip to Norway, he is hopeful of being fit for the opening league game of the campaign, against Millwall at Elland Road on Sunday, August 7.

However, if Sullivan fails to make it, Bennett, 33, is armed with ample experience, having played more than 400 league and cup games.

Bennett said: "Neil had a magnificent season last time and I know how hard it is going to be to keep him out, but it is up to me to make the most of this chance to prove my worth."

Dan Harding, United's England Under-21 signing from Brighton, had an excellent debut in the second half against Haugesund and his battle with fit-again Stephen Crainey for the left- back spot will also be keen.

Crainey, who completed the first 45 minutes against the Norwegians, made his first appearance since injuring his groin last October. The former Celtic and Southampton defender said: "It's good to be back. It was terrible being out injured for so long, so now I just want to cement a place in the team."

Updated: 11:00 Friday, July 15, 2005