STRIKER Richard Cresswell hopes there will be no split family loyalties when Leeds United face one of his former clubs, Sheffield Wednesday, at Elland Road tomorrow (3pm kick-off).

On the first anniversary of Ken Bates' takeover of the club, United are looking to return to winning ways after disappointments against Brighton in the league and Wigan in the FA Cup.

Cresswell's mum is a staunch Wednesday fan, while his dad is a dyed-in-the-wool Leeds supporter. And although he began Tuesday night's FA Cup replay against Wigan on the subs' bench, Cresswell looks certain to be in the starting line-up against the Owls, with Rob Hulse serving a one-match suspension.

Former York City frontman Cresswell joked: "I will have to put my mum in the away end because she's such a keen Wednesday fan."

Then, on reflection, he added: "No, she will be backing me on Saturday - I think!"

Cresswell made his first start for Leeds in the 1-0 defeat at Hillsborough in September and he recalled: "That was a big disappointment, so we owe them one.

"Sheffield Wednesday are fighting against relegation but they are still a big club and they've just come off a good result against Leicester. I was a young lad when I was there. It was a learning curve for me but the supporters were good to me and I enjoyed it."

Cresswell believes United can take heart from their 3-3 draw against Wigan, even though they lost on penalties.

"I thought we showed a lot of character to come back from behind three times in the match and four times in the tie," he said. "It was a fantastic performance against a very strong Premiership team. We have to take confidence from that.

"It was a great spectacle, though obviously we are disappointed not to be in the next round. The gaffer was pleased with our attitude and we have to take that into the derby tomorrow.

"We have to concentrate on the league now. It is massive for us and we want to push on and try to catch Sheffield United."

Leeds will check the fitness of York-born Matthew Kilgallon and Liam Miller, who picked up injuries against Wigan. If Kilgallon is unfit, Sean Gregan or Simon Walton will partner skipper Paul Butler in central defence, while Shaun Derry could return in midfield.

Updated: 10:09 Friday, January 20, 2006