Leeds United 4, Charlton Athletic 1; by David Markham.

David O'Leary foresees a bright future at Elland Road with a squad of young British-born players.

Three of them were among the scorers in Leeds' win at the expense of Premiership new boys Charlton.

O'Leary, who has made a successful start as manager since taking over from George Graham a month ago, said: "I am trying to shape a young team here - a home grown side.

"I have money to spend - I won't say how much - but there are plenty of senior managers who have spent a lot more than us and are well below us in the table.

"I am not buying for the sake of it. I will only buy players who will blend in with those young lads who are here, but I am not going to be rushed into anything."

O'Leary's young guns certainly did him proud for, after Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink had given United a first half lead, Lee Bowyer, Alan Smith and Harry Kewell made sure of victory with second half goals.

After scoring on his debut in United's 3-1 win at Liverpool the previous week moments after coming on as substitute, Smith scored Leeds' important third goal which killed off Charlton's hopes three minutes after one of their own substitutes Paul Mortimer had put them back in the game at 2-1.

O'Leary is rightly proud of the youngster but will nurse him carefully to ensure he achieves his full potential.

He said: "He is only 18 and a sensible lad. I will make sure he stays that way."

Although Leeds won handsomely, there was nothing in an evenly-fought first half to suggest such an emphatic scoreline.

Charlton, with a three-man defence including former Bradford City skipper Eddie Youds, lost no opportunity to attack United and they had an equal share of the play before Hasselbaink scored his seventh goal of the season to put Leeds 1-0 in front after 34 minutes.

The goal was created by a fine run from David Hopkin and when Clyde Wijnhard miskicked in front of goal the ball ran free to Hasselbaink who scored from ten yards.

Nigel Martyn denied Carl Tiler just before half-time and the importance of that diving save by the England keeper was demonstrated six minutes after the interval when United went 2-0 in front.

Midfield player Bowyer had the satisfaction of scoring against the club he left Leeds for in a £2.6 million deal while still a teenager two years ago.

Mortimer then put his side back in the game with a superb right-foot shot which soared into the far top corner after 65 minutes before Smith showed another glimpse of his goalscoring potential when he restored United's two-goal advantage two minutes later.

A smart move involving Kewell and Hasselbaink ended with the Dutchman back-heeling the ball into the path of Smith who scored with a low shot into the corner of the net.

Kewell then crowned a fine performance by beating Charlton's offside trap as he raced on to Bowyer's through pass to score Leeds' fourth goal two minutes from the end.

It was a disappointing return to West Yorkshire for Youds who has made his mark in the Premiership after helping Charlton to promotion following his £555,000 transfer from City in transfer deadline week last season.

He said: "Leeds scored a lucky goal and that put us on the back foot. We were disappointed because that was probably the worst we have played all season, but credit to Leeds - they played well.

"There is an excellent team spirit at Charlton and we don't like getting beaten. There is a long way to go and we will bounce back."

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