Leeds United have completed the signing of defender Alan Tate from Swansea City on loan until January.

Tate, 30, joined his new team-mates yesterday and is expected to go straight into the side for tomorrow’s npower Championship clash against manager Neil Warnock’s former club, Crystal Palace, at Elland Road with Jason Pearce still suspended.

“He’s a lad who I’ve always enjoyed playing against,” Warnock said.

“He’s a leader and I felt these last few weeks we’ve lacked leaders. It’s great to have him in.

“We’re short on bodies in there, Jason is suspended, so he’ll play on Saturday. He’s got a great attitude and it’s a super club for him.”

Tate, who has made four appearances for Swansea in the Barclays Premier League this season, began his career at Manchester United before sealing a permanent move to Swansea in February 2004 following two loan spells.

He has made a total of 325 appearances for the Welsh club.