Sean Gregan is looking to make amends tonight for the mistake that almost cost Leeds United defeat against Watford in midweek.

Gregan, who has otherwise been in excellent form in recent weeks, tried a suicidal back pass which gifted Watford striker Bruce Dyer his second goal in a 2-2 draw.

Now Gregan is determined to help Leeds to victory at Millmoor and says: "When I made that mistake I just wanted the ground to open up and swallow me. It was down to me and I just felt dreadful.

"I'll have to put what happened against Watford behind me and look to help us pick up three points at Rotherham because we need to go on a good run now."

Talks are under way between the Leeds board and the Yorkshire based consortium headed by Norman Stubbs with a view to a £10million investment in the club.

Sebastian Sainsbury, whose Anglo-American group failed to provide proof of funds after attempting a takeover, insists his consortium is not yet out of the running, but the Leeds board believe Stubbs' consortium is in the driving seat.

Stubbs returned from a foreign holiday at the weekend and is hopeful of reaching an agreement some time this week.

Clarke plans derby shut-out

DEFENDER Clarke Carlisle wants Leeds United to recapture the clean sheets habit in tonight's Yorkshire derby at winless Rotherham.

Carlisle knows how embarrassing it would be to slip up against the only side in all four divisions still without a victory.

And after nine games without a clean sheet, he says it is vital to recapture the defensive stability that frustrated opponents earlier in the season.

Carlisle, whose late goal rescued a point against Watford last week, said: "We have to make sure we are switched on from the first whistle to the last. We've conceded too many early goals lately and that is something we've addressed in training.

"We must start getting back to keeping clean sheets as quickly as possible. At the start of the season our defence gave us a strong base. We didn't score many goals but we didn't concede many either.

"Now the goals are starting to come, but we are letting them in at the other end, so we have to complement our improved attacking play with a solid defence."

Carlisle added: "Rotherham have gone through a dreadful time and that can be the kiss of death for their next opponents. All bad patches must end some time and we don't want to be the team on the receiving end of their first win.

"We've given some excellent performances in recent weeks, so we must carry that into the game at Rotherham and show 100 per cent concentration."

Carlisle, midfielder Simon Walton, Danny Pugh and Sean Gregan and Clarke Carlisle are all just one yellow card away from a ban, which would start one week after their fifth caution.

Leeds have a doubt over Brian Deane (hamstring) so Julian Joachim stands by.

Updated: 10:20 Monday, November 29, 2004