Leeds keeper to provide helping hand for Trophy tie (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Leeds keeper to provide helping hand for Trophy tie

3:11pm Sunday 15th November 2009

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If Leeds manager Simon Grayson needs inside information on Johnstone’s Paint Trophy northern area semi-final opponents Accrington Stanley, goalkeeper Alan Martin can provide it.

Former Motherwell keeper Martin, 20, was recalled by Grayson from a loan spell at Stanley last month, having been sent to the League Two club in August to gain experience.

The Scotland Under-21 international had intended staying at Stanley until January but an injury to United’s first-choice keeper Shane Higgs left the club without an experienced understudy for second-choice Casper Ankergren, so Martin’s loan spell was cut short.

United have home advantage against League Two opposition for the third consecutive round, having already eliminated Darlington and Grimsby Town.

Grayson said: “It’s a home draw and that is what you want in any competition.

“We will do our homework on Accrington and prepare for the game as we would any other. Before that, we have some important league matches and an FA Cup tie and these games are our immediate priority.”

Northern Area semi-finals: Carlisle United v Bradford City; Leeds United v Accrington Stanley.

Southern Area semi-finals: Hereford United v MK Dons; Southampton v Norwich City. Matches to be played during the week starting December 14.

* Leeds’ next FA Cup opponents Kettering Town are on the lookout for a successor to manager Mark Cooper, who has succeeded Darren Ferguson at Peterborough.

Stevenage coach Dino Maamria has been linked with the job. Kettering chairman Imraan Ladak said: “I’ve got some thoughts but it’s a really difficult decision because the timing isn’t good at all with the Leeds game coming up on November 29.

“I want to try and get a manager appointed as quickly as possible because (assistant) Nicky Eaden is going to Peterborough with Mark so I’ve not got a natural caretaker.”

* Leicester have agreed to allow winger Max Gradel to extend his spell on loan at Leeds until January 2, subject to a 24 hour recall clause.

Gradel, who has made a big impact during his initial month’s loan, told Leicester he was keen to stay at Elland Road.

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