RICHARD Cresswell is set to start his fifth game in 15 days since his comeback from injury when he lines up against Plymouth tonight (5.15pm).

The Leeds striker was out for over three months with a knee ligament injury and only had 45 minutes in the reserves before being thrust back into first team action against Wolves.

It was thought he would only play in a couple of the holiday fixtures but with Rob Hulse still struggling with a stomach injury, Cresswell has been forced to lead the line in every game.

He probably had his best match to date in the 2-0 New Year's Eve win over Hull, where he caused the chaos that led to Jonathan Douglas's second goal and also came close himself, hitting the post with one drive and seeing another shot loop into the net only to be ruled out for a push.

Leeds manager Kevin Blackwell reckons it could be another week and a half at least before Hulse is ready for 90 minutes but is confident Cresswell can cope.

He said: "Cressie is a naturally fit player and he worked very hard while he was out injured. He has been leading the line exceptionally well and when Rob Hulse is once again fully fit, I'm going to have a big decision to make."

Former York City striker Cresswell said: "Fitness has always been a big part of my game and the physios here kept me going while I was out. I'm ready to do a job for the team and want to play as much football as I possibly can."

Blackwell is unlikely to make any changes from the side that beat Hull, which would mean another spell on the bench for David Healy. Stephen Crainey is set to continue at left-back in place of the injured Dan Harding.

Victory at Plymouth would keep Leeds in touch with the leaders and mean they had lost only three of the last 18 games, stretching back to the end of September.

They shook off a sluggish start against Hull, whose Craig Fagan hit the bar from distance and later forced Neil Sullivan into a point-blank save in the first half.

But after Robbie Blake missed a one-on-one chance with goalkeeper Boaz Myhill on the half hour, Leeds clicked into action.

Blake went close on a couple more occasions before expertly setting up the first of Douglas's goals just before the interval. Cresswell was the architect of the second on 56 minutes and Leeds were able to cruise home after that as the Tigers faded badly.

Leeds match facts

Coca-Cola Championship

Leeds United 2, Hull City 0

(at Elland Road)

Leeds Utd: Sullivan, Kelly, Butler, Kilgallon, Crainey (Pugh 80), Douglas, Miller, Derry, Lewis, Cresswell (Hulse 78), Blake (Healy 78). Subs (not used): Bennett, Richardson. Caution: Butler. Goals: Douglas 45, 57.

Hull City: Myhill, Lynch (Wiseman 68), Cort, Collins, Dawson, Price (Barmby 82), Andrews, Delaney, Elliott, Paynter, Fagan (Green 68). Subs (not used): Woodhouse, Duke.

Referee: Andy Hall (West Midlands)

Attendance: 26,387

Updated: 10:49 Monday, January 02, 2006