Seth Johnson, Leeds United's £7million buy from Derby, hopes to face Tottenham for the second time in three weeks tomorrow, but this time with a different result.

Johnson was in the Derby team beaten 3-1 by Spurs at White Hart Lane - his last game before signing for Leeds. The former Crewe midfielder's only appearance for his new club came in the reserves last Monday

He was ineligible for the UEFA Cup tie against Troyes on Thursday and won't be cleared to play in Europe until the fourth round in February. In the meantime, he is keen for some first-team action, though he admits to facing strong competition for a place.

"Maybe a few years ago I would have been upset all the time about being on the bench, but I know I have to earn my place at Leeds," he said.

"You only have to look at the reserve side we fielded the other night to realise how much competition there is. Hopefully my chance will come and when it does I intend taking it.

"My favourite position is central midfield, but that is up to the manager, of course. I've played in quite a few positions in my career but while I am sitting on the bench I am learning from some of the best players in the country."

Johnson has warned his new colleagues to expect a strong challenge from Glenn Hoddle's side who have strung together three league wins.

"They were really buzzing when I played against them for Derby last month - especially Anderton and Poyet in midfield and Sheringham and Les Ferdinand in the attack," said Johnson.

"After being knocked off the top by Aston Villa last weekend we want to climb back as quickly as possible."

If Rio Ferdinand fails to recover from the hamstring injury that kept him out against Troyes, Michael Duberry and Jonathan Woodgate will compete for a place in Leeds' defence who have not conceded a Premier-ship goal at home this season.

Updated: 10:26 Saturday, November 03, 2001