High-flying Leeds United will soon have their full complement of strikers available, with Richard Cresswell looking to regain his place.

Bridlington-born Cresswell returned to full training last week, having recovered from a ruptured knee ligament that has kept him out since late September.

While some of his team-mates were enjoying a well deserved day off, the £1.1million former York City striker was building up his fitness in readiness for a recall when manager Kevin Blackwell decides he is sufficiently match fit.

Cresswell (pictured above left) is eager to return, but Blackwell said: "I don't want to risk bringing him back too soon because that is when you can pick up niggling injuries.

"Crezzie has worked really hard and is ahead of schedule, but we will carefully monitor his fitness before deciding when to bring him back."

Rob Hulse has been playing on despite a stomach injury but when Cresswell is match fit, Blackwell may give Hulse a rest, especially with the busy Christmas programme near.

Michael Ricketts, who is due to return to Elland Road from his loan spell at Cardiff at the turn of the year, will not be allowed to play against United for the Welshmen on Saturday when Blackwell's side will be chasing a fifth successive win.

Updated: 11:09 Wednesday, December 07, 2005