Seth Johnson and Eirik Bakke will carry a huge burden of expectation should they return to first team action next month.

Leeds' international midfield duo have just taken their first steps towards playing again with a 45-minute run in the reserves and both looked some way from being ready to return to full action.

But Johnson acknowledges the fans will want a lot from two of the most highly paid players at the club. He said: "I am sure that when Eirik and I get back in the team, people will have big expectations but that doesn't bother me. I can cope with it.

"I've had enough stick off a lot of people since I came to Leeds, so I'm not too fussed about coping with pressure. I just want to be back playing and making a difference to the team.

"I didn't feel too sharp in the reserves, which is to be expected. I've had some dark times, especially when I had the first operation, got an infection and had to have it done again. Then I came back strongly and it felt good.

"But the scar tissue built up and I needed surgery again. It was just a nightmare, but these things happen. There are a lot of people in the world worse off than me, so I can't complain too much."

Johnson still believes Leeds can force their way into the shake-up for the play-offs. He added: "

"I definitely think we can make the play-offs. Look at what Crystal Palace achieved last season. They were near the bottom about this time last year and went on to win promotion.

"We can be there or thereabouts with the players we have. There are a lot of points to be won."

Meanwhile, manager Kevin Blackwell is clearing the decks to try to raise enough money to bring in another loan player.

Scott Carson is set to join Chelsea today or tomorrow for £1million, which will help ease the club's tax burden.

The 19-year-old is out of contract next summer and turned down a new deal in December.

Liverpool made a £250,000 bid for the England Under-21 goalkeeper last year and West Brom also had a couple of bids rejected, but now Chelsea are favourites to sign him.

Jamie Winter has joined Aberdeen on a free transfer, although Leeds will benefit if the Dons decided to sell him later on, and Andy Keogh is about to go on a month loan to Bury.

Leeds went out of the FA Youth Cup last night, losing 5-4 to Fulham in a penalty shoot-out.

Leeds' youngsters dominated much of the play and hit the post in extra time, but they were unable to find the finishing touch and paid the price when Sam Hird's spot kick came back off the post.

Updated: 11:28 Thursday, January 13, 2005