John Carver may have that vital quality which no amount of training or experience can give a manager - luck.

Kevin Blackwell often ruefully reflected that his side seldom got the rub of the green and already there are signs that caretaker boss Carver is getting the good fortune his predecessor lacked.

Blackwell was hit by injuries at the start of the season but Carver is about to get the best of Kevin Nicholls and fit-again Shaun Derry, the ideal partnership in a four-man midfield that Blackwell always said he wanted to play and which Carver has promised.

On top of that, Richard Cresswell is making steady progress and is expected to return to action with the reserves against Shrewsbury at York City's KitKat Crescent on October 4. Therefore, with the exceptions of Gylfi Einarsson and Steve Stone, Carver could have most of his squad fit by the end of the international break.

By then they will have played West Brom, another of the promotion hopefuls, and finished one of the toughest starts to a season the club has faced in years.

Carver's luck, should he keep the job, means that stretching ahead will be 14 matches against sides, with the possible exception of Southampton, that Leeds will be expected to beat. By the time Leeds go to Sunderland on Boxing Day, they could be in the top six.

Leeds' third round Carling Cup match against Southend has been arranged for Tuesday, October 24, with a 7.45pm kick-off. Tickets are priced at £12 for adults and £6 for concessions.