Soccer: McPhail to return from injury

Leeds and Ireland midfielder Stephen McPhail has set his sights on the San Siro after making a successful return to action as Leeds reserves saw off Manchester United 2-0 at York City’s Bootham Crescent ground.

The Irish international came through his first 45 minutes after five months out in front of a bumper 4,190 crowd after recovering from a frustrating Achilles injury.

And after missing out on the Elland Road side’s glory nights in Europe this season, the youngster ear-marked a possible European Cup final in Milan as the ideal tonic for his season of misery.

With trips to the Olympic Stadium in Rome and Barcelona’s Nou Camp, to name just two, for David O’Leary’s side this term it has proved a frustrating time for McPhail as he watched from the stands.

He said: "It’s been very frustrating when the lads have been doing so well. Those are the grounds where you want to play as a footballer.

"But I’ve worked hard to get back as soon as I can and I’m delighted to be back so soon after having the operation.’"

After going under the knife in December, McPhail’s return three weeks ahead of schedule could even see him make the quarter-final clash with Deportivo La Coruna.

"All I can do is play a couple of reserve matches and then it’s up to the gaffer and the physio," he added.