PROMOTION-CHASING Leeds United put all thoughts of the FA Cup on hold tomorrow as they seek their fifth successive league win.

With a third round replay against Wigan looming at Elland Road on Tuesday night, skipper Paul Butler has warned his colleagues against taking their minds off the main task of gathering league points.

And Butler and his central defensive partner Matthew Kilgallon will be especially keen to stay out of trouble away to Brighton.

The last time Leeds visited the Withdean Stadium, Butler and Kilgallon were sent off and the Seagulls won with an own-goal by Clarke Carlisle, who has since joined Watford.

The pair have been in reassuringly sound form lately and United have not conceded more than one goal in any match since their amazing comeback at Southampton to win 4-3 on November 19.

Kilgallon is rated by Butler as United's most improved player of the season so far and the York-born defender has held on to his first team place since replacing Sean Gregan on October 21.

Butler said: "Getting the right result at Brighton is our priority. Then we can start thinking about the replay against Wigan. We had a great run of results over Christmas and the New Year, but that's all in the past. We have to make sure we build on that."

"We haven't been conceding many goals and Matthew Kilgallon has been doing a magnificent job for us."

Kilgallon said: "We just didn't perform at Brighton last season but it will be different this time. If we keep playing the kind of football we have been doing we can beat them. I am pleased with my form and hope to carry that on. I just needed my chance."

Former Brighton left-back Dan Harding is set to miss out against his former club as Stephen Crainey has filled that role with distinction in the last three games.

Leading scorer Rob Hulse will be looking to stretch his scoring run to three matches and increase his tally of ten goals so far this season.

Hulse is again expected to be selected ahead of Richard Cresswell, but winger Eddie Lewis has a strain which has prevented him from training this week, so Danny Pugh is standing by in case the American misses out.

Updated: 11:37 Friday, January 13, 2006