Premiership: Bowyer and Woodgate for England - Ridsdale

Leeds chairman Peter Ridsdale has urged England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson to improve the national team by selecting controversial United duo Jonathan Woodgate and Lee Bowyer.

Ridsdale called on Eriksson and Football Association chiefs to see past the media circus surrounding the pair and pick them for international duty as the build-up to the World Cup in Japan and South Korea begins.

Centre-back Woodgate, recently convicted of affray, was an imposing force at the heart of the Leeds defence in the 1-0 victory at Southampton.

And Bowyer, whose Elland Road future was assured after he paid a club fine for being under the influence of alcohol on the night of Woodgate’s offence, tucked home the smart, 88th-minute winner at the St Mary’s Stadium.

‘‘Lee is a great player,’’ said Ridsdale. ‘‘He scored a good goal against Newcastle in the 4-3 defeat earlier this month and a great winner yesterday.

‘‘Everybody knows he is a good player, and Sven-Goran Eriksson knows he is a good player.

‘‘There are so many assets to his game. He can score goals, and Leeds have sometimes been missing midfield players who can contribute goals.

‘‘What we want to do now is concentrate on Lee Bowyer on the football field. He was injured for a few weeks until last Saturday, and we are delighted to get him back and training regularly.

‘‘We bought Rio Ferdinand to play alongside Jonathan. Obviously, Jonathan’s career has been disrupted over the last 12 months, but I would like to feel we can now look forward to Jonathan and Rio playing regularly together.

‘‘And then who knows? Woodgate and Bowyer playing alongside Rio in the England team would probably strengthen the squad.’’

At Southampton Alan Smith had a goal ruled out for offside and an Ian Harte free-kick hit the crossbar, but Saints, who had won three in a row at home going into the game, squandered several chances having outplayed United at times.

Anders Svensson was the main culprit with a hat-trick of misses. One flew wide from 20 yards within 20 seconds of kick-off, another blazed over the top after 28 minutes, and seconds after the interval his shot sent fans - rather than Nigel Martyn - diving for cover.

Svensson’s reaction to his second misfire, when he beat the ground in frustration, summed up Southampton’s day.

‘‘I was frustrated and very disappointed with myself for not hitting the target. We were playing so well and deserved a goal at that point,’’ said Svensson. ‘‘I had three great chances and definitely should have scored.’’

Strachan, whose team face Chelsea on New Year’s Day, criticised his side’s finishing.

He said: ‘‘You really have to take your chances at our level.’’

Midfielder Rory Delap sustained a knock in the first half but was able to play on. He is expected to be fit for the trip to Stamford Bridge.

Matthew Oakley, another midfielder, should be back in contention after overcoming the ankle problem which sidelined him over the festive period.

Leeds boss David O’Leary reported no fresh additions to his lengthy injury list as he began preparing his men for the home date with West Ham on Tuesday.

However, Robbie Keane (ankle), Eirik Bakke (ankle ligaments), Seth Johnson (leg), Harry Kewell (back) and Dominic Matteo (hamstring) are still jostling for space in the treatment room with long-term injured Olivier Dacourt, Michael Bridges, Lucas Radebe and Jacob Burns.