Caretaker-manager John Carver believes Leeds United can make up lost ground and still figure in the promotion race.

United slumped to 23rd place in the Championship before Kevin Blackwell's sacking last week but Saturday's 3-2 win against Birmingham moved them up to 18th.

He said: "If we can put four or five good results together we can quickly climb the table.

"It's looking a closer league than last season when Reading and Sheffield United ran away with it."

Carver strongly believes that good man-management is vital in any walk of life and he has the players very much on his side as he looks to land the manager's job permanently.

The new man is keen to build on the win over Birmingham when United travel to another relegated team from the Midlands, West Brom, on Saturday. He said: "I have been delighted with the backing I've had from everybody at the club.

"They have been right behind me, which is good to know because without them I am nothing. I have my own ideas and Kevin Blackwell had his. I have a lot of experience from working under a number of managers who were all different types, but I am my own man."

Although Carver refuses to get carried away after one win, he is optimistic and said: "Obviously if we can keep on winning it helps my case.

"We have some very good players and it is important that they believe in themselves. It's my job to help them do that."

Striker Robbie Blake missed the win over Blackburn with a groin injury, which is causing concern.

United, meanwhile, have sold all their tickets for the visits to West Brom on Saturday and Luton on Saturday, October 21.