Rearguard battle for Leeds United starting places is Leest of Tom’s fears (From York Press)

Rearguard battle for Leeds United starting places is Leest of Tom’s fears

11:39am Wednesday 9th January 2013 in Sport

LEEDS United defender Tom Lees is relishing the battle for starting places as the season gathers momentum.

Lees, who returned to the side at right-back against Birmingham City in their drawn 1-1 FA Cup tussle, said the presence of loan sentinel Alan Tate from Swansea, plus the steady form of Jason Pearce, had increased competition in the United rearguard.

Said Lees, pictured: “Alan is a good player.

“Everyone has seen how well he has done. Competition improves any player. There’s three of us there now, battling, and we’ll see how it goes.

“It’s going to bring you on as a player because you have to be at your best each week or else you won’t play.

“We have to keep going, do what we’re doing, and make it hard for the manager.”

Boss Neil Warnock is recovering from the virus that swept the club and forced him to miss the FA Cup third round clash at Elland Road.

To try to alleviate the menace of the bug, the Thorp Arch training ground was deemed a no-go area for part of this week, with Leeds assistant manager Mick Jones stating: “Nobody will be in at all until we’re happy things are all right.”

Meanwhile, United midfielder Zac Thompson has had his loan at Bury extended until the end of the season.

The 20-year-old has made 17 appearances for the League One side – managed by former Leeds boss Kevin Blackwell – since joining in August and has established himself as a regular at Gigg Lane.