Without a game this weekend after their early exit from the FA Cup, Leeds United are hoping the extra few days rest will help them get back on track.

Dennis Wise's team have won only one of their last five matches and suffered successive 1-0 defeats against Hereford in the FA Cup and Cheltenham in the league.

Now they are looking to make the most of back-to-back home games next week against Port Vale and Huddersfield Town.

Several first-team squad members who have been out injured came safely through the reserves' 2-0 defeat against Sheffield Wednesday this week, among them Radostin Kishishev, who said: "The manager will be happy because so many players are back and we can be more competitive.

"He may have to make some selection decisions, which can only be good after the injuries we've had."

Bulgarian international midfielder Kishishev completed 80 minutes against Wednesday after playing just 20 minutes for the first team since his return on loan from Leicester on October 23.

With Alan Thompson and Mark De Vries completing a full 90 minutes for the reserves, Tore Andre Flo managing 70 minutes and Filipe Da Costa returning after his three-match suspension, the cavalry is back with the busy Christmas programme just around the corner.

One concern for Wise, however, is the goalkeeping position.

David Lucas's mistake in his first full league game for the club proved costly at Cheltenham and first-choice Casper Ankergren is still suffering from the knee injury he collected against Hereford.