The postponement of Leeds' match at Birmingham today will give new signing Alan Thompson additional time to work on his fitness before making his debut.

The game at St Andrews was called off shortly after lunch-time yesterday following an inspection of the pitch, which was newly-laid on Monday.

Thompson, 33, has not played for Celtic this season but has joined United initially until the end of the campaign.

Boss Dennis Wise believes the former Newcastle, Bolton and Aston Villa player will add much-needed creativity to the midfield.

Today's postponement means Jonathan Douglas will now complete his two-match ban by missing the home game against West Brom next Saturday.

Birmingham could be docked points or fined for failing to fulfil the fixture with Leeds.

But Blues managing director Karren Brady insisted: "Noth-ing more could have been done in terms of manpower, mach-inery and equipment to get the game on following the freak weather on Tuesday and Wed-nesday."

Birmingham say all tickets purchased for the game will be valid when the fixture is eventually played.

But Leeds are unhappy with the postponement and, in a statement, said: "We wish to express our disappointment that the fixture will not be played as a result of the failure of Birmingham City to have their St Andrews pitch relaid in time for the game.

"The group of people who have our greatest sympathy in this situation are our supporters, who have both purchased tickets and made travel arran-gements that may not be transferable.

"The club will make representations to Birmingham City to ensure a full refund can be obtained on any tickets (and travel) purchased."