LEEDS United have been boosted by news that the teams finishing in the Premiership's top four this season will qualify for the Champions League.

Last season was the first time England had more than three representatives in the Champions League. The numbers are worked out on how English teams have performed in Europe over the last five seasons. England are currently ranked third behind Spain and Italy.

However, if United are to finish in the top four they need to improve considerably on their current ninth place.

Last night they received confirmation that the second leg of their UEFA Cup second round tie against Hapoel Tel-Aviv will be played at the Artemio Franchi Stadium, Florence, in Italy, on Thursday, November 14. Hapoel have to advise UEFA of the kick-off time by 4pm today.

Hapoel were forced to seek an alternative venue for their 'home' leg due to the unstable political situation in Israel.

Because of the UEFA tie, United's home game against Bolton in the Premiership has been moved from Saturday, November 16 to Sunday, November 17, with a 3pm kick-off.

Paul Okon, United's Australian international, who has yet to make his first team debut since joining on a free transfer in August, will be out for a month with a hamstring injury.

Okon, who has been a substitute four times without being called into the action, had hoped to be in contention for the visit to his old club Middlesbrough on Saturday, October 26, but those hopes have been dashed.

Updated: 11:01 Wednesday, October 16, 2002