LEEDS United boss David O'Leary is threatening to unleash the full force of his new Premiership leaders against Blackburn Rovers at Elland Road tomorrow night.

For, while a number of top clubs tend to field weakened sides in the Worthington Cup, O'Leary has already gone on record to stress that the lesser of the two domestic knockout competitions is a major Leeds target.

On the other hand, Rovers boss Brian Kidd looks like having to dig deep into his midfield resources once again as the long-shot underdogs attempt to pull off what would rank as a massive third round shock.

He might well be forced into pairing relative rookies David Dunn and Wayne Gill in the centre of midfield, because of the continuing absence of his own big guns.

Whatever kind of team Leeds send out, it will be a huge test for Rovers.

And O'Leary has hinted that he will not be messing about.

Coming into the Worthington Cup for the first time this season because of their European commitments, Leeds clearly see it as a winnable tournament - and it does send the holders into Europe.

The Elland Road boss, who today flew out to Russia to spy on their UEFA Cup second round opponents Lokomotiv Moscow before rushing back for tomorrow's clash, admitted: "It has to be one of our targets.

"Winning a cup always needs a huge slice of luck, I have played in enough cup finals myself to know that.

"But to have a chance you have to play your best team." If he sticks to those principles tomorrow, then Rovers could be in for a rough ride.

Having been out of action since Sunday, October 3, because of the international programme, Leeds are keen to get back quickly into gear. They now have a top-of-the-table spot to protect and that is another reason O'Leary will be tempted to field as strong a side as possible.

But he will be without full back Ian Harte who has had minor knee surgery and is expected to sit out United's next Premiership match against Sheffield Wednesday as well. Ian Bowyer will also need a test after suffering a groin injury on England under-21 duty.

O'Leary's problems, however, pale into insignificance compared to those of Kidd who looks set to ring the changes - and not all through choice by a long way.

The Ewood boss's hopes of giving Jason McAteer his long-awaited comeback were hit when the utility man reported sick yesterday.

The midfielder has tonsillitis and has been seen by the club doctor.

And Kidd was already resigned to being without injured Lee Carsley and cup-tied Per Frandsen.

That leaves another huge hole in his midfield resources. Even more disappointing, if McAteer had been able to play at Leeds it could have put him in the frame for a return to League action when Grimsby visit Ewood in the First Division on Saturday.

But, in their expected absence, Dunn will welcome the chance to shine on a Premiership stage again.

The young midfielder will be straining at the leash to show his manager how much he wants a more regular place in the starting line-up.

Kidd will also have to consider giving Craig Short a return to serious action after getting the central defender back from hamstring trouble in last week's private practice game against Manchester City.

With Christian Dailly - and Callum Davidson - having played two full internationals in a matter of days last week, Short's return will be timely.

Rovers decided not to risk midfielder Billy McKinlay in last night's reserve game at Newcastle after he had originally been included in the squad.

McKinlay, a long-term absentee, played for 25 minutes againt Manchester City in a private practice match on Friday, but was feeling the effects.

"We were looking to get him a game last night, but he was feeling some reaction from Friday," said Kidd.

"It takes time for all players to come back. They have to get their footballing legs and we won't take any chances."

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