Ken Bates insists Leeds United possess a better squad than they are given credit for.

Despite losing the likes of Max Gradel, Kasper Schmeichel and Bradley Johnson in the summer, the club are currently on the verge of the play-offs.

In fact, a win against derby rivals Doncaster Rovers tonight would lift them into the top six for the first time this season.

Bates said victory at the Keepmoat Stadium would indicate the upward momentum of the team.

He said: “If we win we will be fifth, which demonstrates we a have a stronger squad than people realise and we haven’t done too badly. It’s the league table in May that counts. That’s what we’re looking at.

“We think we have a strong team, we have a clean sheet, we have a good ground and we have good support.

“You’re never satisfied with everything. I’m a fan at heart and you always want something better but we’re making progress.”

Leeds’ recent form would certainly count as progress, having remained unbeaten in their last four league games.

Loan signing Danny Pugh should keep his place after scoring the only goal in the win over Portsmouth last time out, while striker Luciano Becchio will be pushing for a starting spot.

All of Leeds’ international players, who were on duty in midweek, are also expected to be in contention for the game. Irish duo Andy Keogh and Darren O’Dea and Finnish pair Mikael Forssell and Mika Vayrynen all returned to the club yesterday morning, as did Irish under-21 Aidy White and England under-19 Charlie Taylor.

Manager Simon Grayson said: “Darren played on Friday for the Republic but neither of our Irish boys were involved on Tuesday so hopefully they will return okay.

“Mika had two good run-outs for Finland which will have been good for his fitness and the same goes for Mikael too, who played a part in both games.”

Youngster Zac Thompson has been rewarded for an impressive start to his Leeds career with a new two-year contract.

The 18-year-old midfielder only penned his first professional deal at the end of last season after joining the club’s scholarship scheme in January from Everton.

And, having impressed in the early part of this campaign, he has been handed lengthier terms.

Grayson said: “Zac has made an impression since he’s been here. He had a good pre-season, he got himself involved on merit, and not only did he play a part, he impressed in what he did and how he went about things.”