MATTHEW Kilgallon has been challenged by Leeds United manager Kevin Blackwell to make the left back spot his own.

York-born Kilgallon deputised for Stephen Crainey in the 1-0 win against Preston on Saturday and keeps the role at Reading tonight (8pm) as Crainey is expected to be out for two or three weeks with a groin injury.

Scotland international and former Southampton defender Crainey has impressed since his arrival at Elland Road in the summer, but Kilgallon has been regularly included in the England Under-21 squad and looks to have a bright future.

Kilgallon prefers the centre half position, but with Clarke Carlisle and skipper Paul Butler looking rock-solid at the heart of the defence, there is no current vacancy in that role.

Blackwell said: "Matthew has a chance now. I have told him it is down to him to grab it. I hope that when Stephen Crainey is fit again he can't get back into the side because that will mean 'Killer' has done well. That is the kind of competition for places I want to see."

With Jermaine Wright also expected to be out for several weeks with an inflamed achilles, Blackwell must decide whether to keep teenager Simon Walton in midfield or turn to Matthew Spring.

Striker Brett Ormerod injured his calf while setting up Danny Pugh's goal against Preston on Saturday and remained behind for treatment when the rest of the party travelled south yesterday for tonight's game.

If he is sufficiently fit, Ormerod will join up with the squad today.

Julian Joachim is back in contention after missing the Preston game because of a family bereavement.

Meanwhile, Blackwell has warned striker Michael Ricketts he could face a nightmare season unless he steps up a gear.

Although the former England striker has taken on his own fitness coach in a bid to revamp his career, Ricketts is still struggling to make an impact since joining Leeds.

Blackwell admitted: "I knew it would be a challenge for Michael coming here after he had a rough time at Middlesbrough.

"There's no doubt he is frustrating to one and all. He has unbelievable ability but we would like to see more of it than we have so far.

"We hoped his nightmare at Middlesbrough was behind him but I've told him it could come back if he doesn't do a bit more than he has."

Updated: 10:50 Tuesday, October 19, 2004