LEEDS United’s promotion bid in Coca-Cola League One will boosted tomorrow by the return of top-scorer Jermaine Beckford.

The 25-year-old striker has been on the sidelines since suffering a hamstring injury in the loss at Northampton at the end of November, but is expected to return to the line-up – or at least get a place on the bench – for the visit of Peterborough to Elland Road.

Winger Robert Snodgrass is also in the running for a return having missed last weekend’s win at Brighton, while loan signings Richard Naylor and Carl Dickinson could make their home debuts. However, skipper Frazer Richardson is ruled out with his thigh injury.

Beckford has been in full training for a week and has been given the all-clear to return to match action.

Manager Simon Grayson, who has admitted he wants to make two more signings before the transfer window closes, said: “Jermaine has trained with us now for a week and, all being well, he will be in contention tomorrow. He is our leading goalscorer and if it hadn’t been for the little problems he’s had with his hamstring he would probably be the leading scorer in this league.

“Hopefully he can kick on from here and do what we know he does best.”

Scotsman Snodgrass has shaken off the effects sustained in training on the eve of the Brighton match. However, right-back Richardson has had a routine scan on his thigh and will not be able to play against the Posh.

Meanwhile, academy starlet Tom Lees, 18, has signed a professional contract running to 2011.

Academy manager Neil Thompson, the former York City boss, said of the centre-back who underwent major knee surgery last year: “Tom has come through a lot this last year with the operation and re-hab.

“He has showed good character, persistence and discipline. He is a young player with plenty of potential and has to kick on from now.”