Reid challenges Leeds to find fighting spirit

LEEDS caretaker-boss Peter Reid believes criticism regarding his players’ lack of passion will prove as inspirational as it did for England this week.

Following the limp 2-0 European Championship qualifying victory over Liechtenstein, Sven-Goran Eriksson's side were accused of not giving their all for the England cause.

But the teamresponded in magnificent fashion with a polished performanceagainst Turkey at Sunderland's Stadium of Light.

Reid, one of the pundits casting an experienced eye over that game, left his players in no doubt as to his feelings following his opening game in charge nearly a fortnight ago a 3-1 defeat at Anfield.

The 46-year-old, handed the poisoned chalice of managing Leeds until the end of the season following the sacking of Terry Venables, accused the players of not doing enough to earn the vast sums of money they are currently being paid.

Leeds have also faced strong criticism from other quarters followingfive successive defeats, including four in the Premiership, with the club now 16th and just four points off the relegation zone.

Reid is hoping for a reaction from a squad he knows should not be in the position they currently occupy going into today's clash with Charlton at The Valley.

"After a couple of weeks in charge, you are hoping you've stamped your authority on the team," stated Reid.

"Whether they've responded to me, I will only be able to answer after the game. As I've said before, you can do all the talking in the world, but until you go over the white line then you don't know.But just being with the players for 10 days, it's obvious their ability is not in question."

Reid needs at least two results if Leeds are to retain their top-flight status and if the former Manchester City and Sunderland boss has a chance of being handed the managerial role on a full-time basis.

Following Peter Ridsdale's resignation this week, Reid has to convince new chairman Professor John McKenzie he is worth a long-term contract.

But for now, the behind-the-scenes turmoil is of no concern to Reid as he has just one aim in mind, adding: "I don't get involved in the politics side of the game.

"I've come in to do a specific job and that hasn't changed. What goes on outside that I don't really think about because I'm focusing all my attention and energy on these last seven games.

"I'm here to deal with the football. The financial side has nothing to do with me." Although Reid has Harry Kewell, Dominic Matteo, Gary Kelly and Michael Duberry all in the starting line-up after injury lay-offs, David Batty has been forced to pull out of the 18-man squad due to a back injury.