Rui Marques, Leeds United’s Angolan international defender, began his comeback by playing a full 90 minutes against Middlesbrough with no ill effects in a behind-closed-doors friendly at Thorp Arch yesterday.

Leeds lost the game 4-3, striker David Somma scoring two of the home side’s goals in only his second game since recovering from a hamstring injury.

Marques has been out with Achilles tendon trouble since United’s 2-1 win at Colchester at the end of August.

In his absence, Patrick Kisnorbo and skipper Richard Naylor have formed a strong partnership at the heart of the defence, while Lubo Michalik, Leigh Bromby and Paul Huntington can also play in the position, though Bromby has filled in at right back.

Walter Garcia, an Argentine trialist, who left New York Red Bulls earlier this year, partnered Marques in central defence against Middlesbrough and another trialist was on the scoresheet in a game which saw both teams create plenty of chances.

Jason Crowe, Luciano Becchio and goalkeeper Shane Higgs continue to make good progress and hope to be back in action by the end of the month.