Leeds United: Lees takes head out of clouds after his big night for England (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Leeds United: Tom Lees takes head out of clouds after his big night for England

7:20pm Thursday 13th September 2012 in Leeds By Sports Desk

Tom Lees insists he will be thinking of Wales not England as he returns to league action with Leeds on Saturday.

The young defender made his England Under-21 debut against Norway this week after being drafted in by Stuart Pearce at the last minute.

Lees said: “It was an amazing experience and if it never happens again, I can say I have been there and won a cap.

“It’s good to take yourself out of your comfort zone and it was a big deal. A lot of the players are at top clubs and have cost a lot of money.

“They’re playing in the Premier League for a reason and it was fantastic being there. It improves you as a player and a person.”

Having spent previous seasons on loan at Accrington and Bury, Lees will not be getting carried away by his sudden stardom. The 21-year-old is firmly focused on the Championship trip to Cardiff.

He added: “I think back to my loans and it keeps your feet on the ground. I wouldn’t change it and now I’ve got to make sure I don’t stand still and keep learning off the manager at Leeds.

“If you’re playing well for your club, they will pick you. My attention is at Leeds, as it always has been, and I’m ready for Cardiff now.”

Neil Warnock is hoping to dive into the emergency loan market and bolster his depleted central midfield in time for the weekend.

David Norris has joined Paul Green on the sidelines and Michael Brown is carrying a hamstring strain, leaving Leeds painfully thin in the engine room.

At least Warnock can welcome back Rodolph Austin from his World Cup qualifier double header for Jamaica against the United States. The midfielder was among the scorers in the 2-1 win in Kingston.

Ross McCormack also returns after sitting on the bench in Scotland’s disappointing draw with Macedonia.