SUCCESSIVE 1-1 league draws against Championship leaders Sheffield United and second-placed Reading have boosted Leeds United's promotion credentials.

That's the view of manager Kevin Blackwell who believes there is still more to come from his team.

After the latest draw at Reading, Blackwell said: "I think people are starting to believe this team has a chance of getting back into the Premier League. I have to be pleased with the results against Sheffield United and Reading but, as I told the players at half-time on Saturday, there is plenty for us to improve on."

The draws against the Blades and the Royals were split by the Carling Cup defeat at Blackburn, but Leeds' priority is to climb back into the Premiership.

Blackwell was disappointed that the ball was given away too often in the opposition's third of the field at Reading - a situation that improved when goal-scorer David Healy left the bench.

Healy is expected to start tomorrow's game at Crewe, in place of Robbie Blake, and the Healy-Rob Hulse partnership is seen by many fans as a dream ticket to promotion

Although Healy and Hulse are carrying ankle injuries, the improvement when Healy was introduced at Reading was obvious and it will be a major surprise if the two 'H'-bombs are not employed from the start at Crewe.

Blackwell admitted: "When David Healy came on we retained possession better in their territory. Many sides going to Reading would have wilted under the pressure, but our players have real self-belief and their work ethic is good.

"If we can add that little bit more cleverness we will be a hard team to beat. It was the best Sheffield United and Reading could play against us, but I still think we have some fine-tuning to do. Although we are in a strong position it is no good patting ourselves on the back in October or November.

"We must carry on at Crewe where we left off at Reading and remain positive."

Blackwell had special praise for Ian Moore's performance after the former Burnley striker substituted for Frazer Richardson on the right flank. "Ian is not a wide player but he is honest and his endeavour gives us something different," said the Leeds manager.

"Frazer has done a manful job in that position but I know he is ready for a rest and his strength is in a defensive role. I thought the time was right to put Ian Moore on to provide us with more aggression going forward and he gave us that.

"Ian is an excellent professional who hasn't played many games because of the quality ahead of him."

Fifth-placed United, undefeated in their last six League games, fell behind to Brynjar Gunnarsson's 63rd minute drive, but Healy levelled with 15 minutes left.

Reading dominated for long spells but were denied by some excellent saves by Neil Sullivan in the Leeds goal, parrying a fine effort from Kevin Doyle and making an excellent reaction save from Dave Kitson.

Coca-Cola Championship

Reading 1, Leeds United 1

(at Madejski Stadium)

Reading: Hahnemann, Murty, Shorey, Sonko, Ingimarsson, Little, Gunnarsson (Sidwell 84), Harper, Convey (Hunt 87), Kitson, Doyle. Subs (not used): Stack, Oster, Obinna. Caution: Gunnarsson. Goal: Gunnarsson 63.

Leeds United: Sullivan, Kelly, Butler, Kilgallon, Harding, Richardson (Moore 68), Douglas, Derry, Lewis (Pugh 90), Hulse, Blake (Healy 66). Subs (not used): Bennett, Gregan. Caution: Butler. Goal: Healy 75.

Referee: Phil Joslin (Nottinghamshire).

Attendance: 22,012.

Updated: 10:01 Monday, October 31, 2005