STRIKER Rob Hulse damaged ankle ligaments as Leeds United lost 1-0 to Haugesund in a pre-season friendly in Norway last night.

Hulse was hurt in a two-footed tackle during the first half and United were assessing the full extent of the injury today.

Manager Kevin Blackwell used 22 of his 23-man squad and said: "I was pleased with the performance because the players worked very hard against a team that is top of their league. Dan Harding played particularly well, with great delivery from the left along with Eddie Lewis.

"Overall the players have shown a good level of fitness against a very fit, well organised side."

Angolan trialist striker Freddie Sandos played throughout the second half and could start Saturday's friendly against Stavanger.

United have chosen the four home reserve team fixtures they must play at Elland Road next season, with the remainder being staged at South Leeds Stadium.

The Elland Road games are against Manchester United on Tuesday, September 6, Blackburn Rovers on Wednesday, November 2, Newcastle United on Wednesday, December 21 and Liverpool on Wednesday, February 22.

The full list of fixtures is:

AUGUST: 8 Newcastle United A, 31 Everton A. SEPTEMBER: 6 Manchester United H (Elland Road); 14 Bolton Wanderers H; 21 Wigan Athletic A (FLC2); 27 Liverpool A. OCTOBER: 5 Wolverhampton Wanderers H; 11 Middlesbrough A; 19 Aston Villa H. NOVEMBER: 2 Blackburn Rovers H (Elland Road); 8 Manchester City A; 16 Birmingham City H; 21 West Bromwich Albion A. DECEMBER: 7 Sunderland H; 21 Newcastle United H (Elland Road). JANUARY: 12 Manchester United A; 18 Everton H; 23 Bolton A. FEBRUARY: 8 Wigan Athletic H; 15 Wolves A; Feb 22 Liverpool H (Elland Road).

MARCH: 1 Middlesbrough H; 7 Aston Villa A; 13 Blackburn A; 22 Manchester City H; Mar 27 Birmingham City A.

APRIL: 5 West Brom H; 12 Sunderland A.

MAY: 3 Play-off.

All home matches will kick-off at 7pm.

Updated: 11:23 Thursday, July 14, 2005