BILLY Sharp and Liam Cooper will go straight in as Leeds aim to impress in front of the TV cameras against Middlesbrough.

Head coach Dave Hockaday revealed that striker Sharp was “desperate” to sign from Southampton. Centre half Liam Cooper – and Italian loan capture Guiseppe Bellusci – will also boost a squad that has needed building up.

Skipper Jason Pearce is thrilled to see new recruits ahead of their first Championship home game tomorrow lunchtime.

He said: Competition is what we need and these will be good signings.

“Billy has been about a little bit but he is a top striker. He is a goalscorer and will be a major boost to the squad.

“We played against Liam at Chesterfield and he is a left-sided centre half. He is an excellent player and has a good future ahead of him.”

Boro skipper Jonathan Woodgate has warned his old club to expect a very different opposition from last season.

Aitor Karanka’s opening game in charge ended in a 2-1 loss at Elland Road ten months ago but Woodgate said: “You can’t believe how much has changed.

“We are a very well disciplined side now with that little bit of flair that can win us games.”