Paul Dickov goes straight into Leeds United's squad for tomorrow's home Coca-Cola Leasgue One task against Brentford, with manager Simon Grayson declaring: "He'll ruffle a few feathers."

Former Scotland striker Dickov, 37, has been a free agent since being released by Leicester, and his last first-team appearance was for Derby on Boxing Day while on loan.

He could start on the bench after proving his fitness with a 90-minute stint for the reserves at Huddersfield on Wednesday night, and manager Simon Grayson hopes Dickov's vast experience will rub off on some of the younger members of the first-team squad.

Dickov started his career at Arsenal but also turned out for Manchester City, Leicester and Blackburn, and had loan spells at Luton, Brighton, Crystal Palace, Blackpool and Derby.

Grayson said: "Paul puts a shift in every time he plays. He is there to try and upset defenders and close people down.

"He has a good touch and an eye for goal and he is not frightened to mix it with any 6ft 4in centre half.

"He has been known as a pest over the years - I've played against him many times and I didn't like it. He still has that attitude, so he will upset a few people and ruffle a few feathers."

Dickov has been on the receiving end of Leeds fans' jeers in the past but he is convinced he can win over the critics.

He said: "I've had bits of stick playing here over the years but I just want to get out there and play. I am enthusiastic and feel I have a lot to offer. I'll give my all and put pressure on defenders."

Grayson believes Dickov's vast experience can greatly benefit his players. "Our squad are a young bunch, so not too many of them have been promoted in their careers," said the Leeds boss.

"Paul has that experience of promotions, so he will be able to guide one or two through and improve them on the training pitch as well.

"He is a strong character and I am sure that influence will rub off on the players around him, which is one of the reasons we brought him to Leeds.

"He has played at the highest level and still has a desire to be successful. He doesn't expect to play every week but he will want to do so and he will be pushing people to show he still has the quality required to play at any level.

"He has looked bright and sharp in training and has two strikers in front of him at the moment in Luciano Becchio and Jermaine Beckford, who started against Huddersfield, and he has Max Gradel, Mike Grella and Tresor Kandol competing with him as well, but he will back himself to get into our team and stay there."