YORK-born Matthew Kilgallon is hoping this season will see him achieve his long held ambition to become a first-team regular at Leeds United.

The 20-year-old defender, nicknamed 'Killer' by his team-mates, has made just 12 appearances for Leeds so far - nine of them last season when he also spent three months on loan at West Ham.

Although he made only three first team appearances for the Hammers, the experience of being with a first division club last term should stand him in good stead as Leeds chase promotion back to the Premiership at the first attempt.

Kilgallon (pictured left) broke into the Leeds team as a substitute during a UEFA Cup tie against Hapoel Tel Aviv in Florence in November, 2002. He has since made all his competitive appearances in central defence, but impressed at left back during the pre-season build-up and could well fill that role against Derby County, at Elland Road tomorrow (12.15).

The match is being broadcast live by Sky and, with the Premiership not due to start until next week, Kilgallon has an opportunity to shine in front of a large TV audience.

He said: "It was a big blow when Leeds dropped out of the Premiership. When I was ball-boying they were in the Champions League and I would love to help them get back up there where they belong.

"There have been a lot of changes since last season, but the people the manager has brought in are good experienced players who can help me and the team. Most of the pre-season games have gone well and the players can't wait for the season to start."

Manager Kevin Blackwell is looking to use a blend of youth and experience, with the likes of Simon Walton, Frazer Richardson, Aaron Lennon, Jamie McMaster and Scott Carson pushing some of the older players hard for their places.

Simon Johnson, who would have been in contention for a place in the attack, starts a three-match ban after being sent off for violent conduct in a pre-season game at Scarborough.

Knee problems keep Eirik Bakke out for the season and Seth Johnson sidelined until the new year, so Leeds could again struggle in midfield - a department that let them down badly last term.

Former Luton midfielder Matthew Spring hopes to recover from a groin strain in time to join the many players making their League debuts for the club. They could include 16-year-old Walton who is available despite his sending-off against Valencia.

Derby only just escaped relegation last season, so Leeds have high hopes of kicking off with a win which would put them on top of the table - at least for a few hours.

Leeds United from: Sullivan, Kelly, Duberry, Butler, Radebe, Kilgallon, Joachim, Spring, Walton, Wright, Pugh, Ricketts, Deane, Cadamarteri, McMaster, Richardson, Keogh, Guppy, Carlisle, Bart-Williams, Carson.

Updated: 11:09 Friday, August 06, 2004