Leon happy to be back

Leeds United striker Leon Constantine has expressed his delight at returning to full-training.

Striker makes successful return to training

Leeds United striker Leon Constantine has expressed his delight at returning to full-training.

Constantine is yet to kick a ball in competitive action for Leeds after breaking his ankle in pre-season.

However, Constantine has now recovered and is one step nearer to making his debut after participating in training.

With loan signings Mark de Vries and Wayne Andrews having left Leeds, Constantine's return comes as a welcome boost.

The former Port Vale man is delighted to be fit again and is now looking to get a run out with Leeds' reserves.

"I feel really happy," he told the club's official website. "It's been a long time coming.

"Tuesday's training went well. It was a hard morning, but it was all positive and I'm pleased. I'll keep grafting and each day I'll get fitter and fitter now.

"I feel like I've just been let out of jail - I hope I don't go back. I just wanted to get back and do what I'm paid to do.

"There's a few reserve games coming up, and hopefully I can get involved and work my way onto the bench."

Forgotten man

Although Constantine will not be featuring against Hartlepool's reserves on Wednesday, forgotten man Shaun Derry is set for a run-out.

The ex-Crystal Palace midfielder is yet to feature for Leeds this term and had been earmarked by manager Dennis Wise as being available for loan.

However, the experienced ball-winner will step up his return to fitness on Wednesday and a sterling display could well see him back in Wise's favour.