Leeds used the second half of their one-sided Carling Cup win over Lincoln as a training exercise for Sunday’s Championship tussle at Nottingham Forest.

United manager Simon Grayson stressed the importance of keeping a clean sheet on Tuesday night after Leeds led 3-0 in the opening half hour and he was delighted with the 4-0 outcome as the players put extra emphasis on defensive organisation.

Grayson explained: “We know Sunday’s game will be a lot more difficult, so we used the cup tie as an exercise in being as solid as possible – as if we were playing at Forest. It was a bit of a training exercise in the second half.”

After considering making several changes following the home defeat against Derby on Saturday, Grayson made just one alteration – central defender Alex Bruce coming in for a solid debut in place of club captain Richard Naylor.

Grayson said: “I could have made four or five changes but the players are still getting to know each other and it was another opportunity for the new players to get used to their new surroundings at Elland Road.

“The four goals we scored will give the players confidence for the task at Nottingham.

“There is still more to come from all the new players. They are still learning how we want them to play and they will improve the longer they play together, which is why we played such a strong team against Lincoln.

“We also wanted to win the game because the Carling Cup can be a springboard for our league campaign, just as it was last season.

“Forest are among the favourites to do really well this season but we feel we can get something out of the game.”

The Leeds players were given a day off today but will be back in training tomorrow and Saturday in readiness for the Forest game, which kicks off at 1.15pm and is being televised live by Sky.