LEEDS United have Europe on their minds. But a number of players also have half a thought on France and this summer's World Cup.

Lucas Radebe is certain the two go hand in hand. The South African skipper is determined to end the season on a high note not only to clinch United's place in the UEFA Cup but also as the ideal preparation for June 12 when he will lead his country out to play the hosts at Marseille.

"I am really looking forward to it - it means so much for my country to be in the finals for the first time and I am sure it will be the highlight of my career,'' Radebe said.

"We have worked very hard at Leeds this season to get into the position where we can qualify for a place in Europe and we can't stop now.

"It is important that we don't let up at all because we need to be in top form for both club and country.''

Radebe has started to learn a few phrases of French to help him with his captain's responsibilities and no doubt some of his United team-mates are also starting to glance at their phrase books.

Alfie Haaland and Gunnar Halle are certainties for the Norwegian squad, and Nigel Martyn looks set to be included in Glenn Hoddle's England selection.

Recent signing Martin Hiden has broken into the Austrian squad at just the right time and is convinced his move to the Premier League has made the difference.

"I enjoy playing in England and I am sure it helped get me selected for my first cap,'' he said.

"Now I am hoping my form for the rest of the season keeps me in the squad.''

But one United player who looked to have booked his place in France is now sweating on his selection.

David Hopkin has had a difficult first season since his £3.5m move from Crystal Palace and desperately needs to get back into George Graham's side if he is to keep his national place.

Hopkin impressed Graham enough in pre-season to be made captain and made a steady start to the campaign but a series of injuries, suspension and family bereavement have interrupted his flow of games and when he has come in, he has not looked too impressive.

A prolific goalscorer from midfield with Palace, Hopkin has managed just one goal so far for Leeds.

Trying to get full match fitness, he agreed to play in the reserves where he suffered an eye injury that set him back even further and forced him to pull out of the most recent Scotland squad.

But Hopkin has tackled the adversity with a positive attitude: "I've been doing a lot of extra training, and I feel fitter now than for a long time,'' he said.

''This latest injury was just another frustration in a less than memorable first season at Leeds but there is still a lot to play for and I want to play my part in what we hope will be a successful bid to grab a place in next season's UEFA Cup."

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