Paul Telfer will receive further opportunities on Leeds United’s tour of southern Ireland to boost his chances of gaining a contract with the club.

Manager Gary McAllister was pleased with Telfer, who played out of position in central defence on his debut in the 2-0 win at Galway United on Wednesday night, and the specialist right back has also done himself no harm with his work in training.

With games against Bray Wanderers on Sunday and Shelbourne next Thursday, former Scotland international Telfer, a free agent, intends grabbing his chance with both hands.

McAllister said: “Paul was very steady against Galway and has played a lot of football at a higher level. He has played in the Champions League against the very best and is not attached to any club, so he could be an option.

“He is one of the fittest footballers I’ve played with, he is a good talker and has been excellent in training, passing on words of wisdom to defenders at the club.”

Meanwhile, Jermaine Beckford is looking to prove his 20-goal feat last season was no fluke.

The former Wealdstone striker has already scored three goals in United’s two pre-season games and McAllister says Beckford is looking especially sharp.

“Jermaine has come back hungry and wanting to show last season wasn’t a fluke. He is a guy who can follow up with an even better season,” said McAllister after Beckford netted both goals at Galway.

“He has looked very lively from the start of pre-season training and in matches he gives us something a wee bit different,” the manager added.