Good news on Kelly knock

Leeds defender Gary Kelly could return to action in a week after x-rays today confirmed a foot injury was not as bad as first feared.

Kelly missed yesterday’s 4-1 FA Cup third-round defeat at home to Arsenal amid concerns he had sustained a stress fracture to his left foot.

But the right-back merely has soft-tissue damage to the underside of his foot, and although he will miss Wednesday’s trip to Newcastle and Saturday’s Elland Road clash with Tottenham, he may be available for the game at Southampton on January 17.

Head coach Kevin Blackwell confirmed: “Thankfully, it’s not a stress fracture.

“The initial pain caused a problem and was in an area renowned for stress fractures, but he’s had x-rays and the MRI scans have come back negative.

“Providing the bleeding and the bruising is not too bad, then we are hoping he will be back in a week, but at least we have a good replacement in Frazer Richardson. He did a very good job. We were very proud of him.”

Richardson made his first start for Leeds after just two previous sub appearances in his two-and-a-half years at the club since signing from a trainee.

The 21-year-old’s only other experience came via two months on loan at Stoke last season and a further month this season, although against Thierry Henry and co he did not look overawed.

Richardson certainly feels he can cement a place in the side as he said: “He (Henry) takes your breath away. He is just unbelievable, world-class.

“But I don’t think I did my chances any harm against him and Arsenal and I feel very confident I can do a job for Leeds in the next few matches.

“I’ve been confident since the age of 16 when I was told I would have to be patient and now I’ve been given a chance, I hope to grasp it with both hands.

“The loan spells with Stoke have helped. It was vitally important to get experience of first-team football because in the reserves you are playing against kids.

“When you are in the first team you are playing against men and you know you have to be a lot stronger, especially when you are a defender, so it has helped dramatically.

“I might now get a decent run in the side. I feel I played quite well, but we’ll take it from here.”

Richardson believes he can play his part in Leeds’ escape from the relegation zone, starting with Wednesday’s trip to St James’ Park to face Newcastle.

“Despite the last two defeats I still think the spirit’s very good,” added Richardson.

“We’ve got to concentrate on Wednesday’s game against Newcastle now and hope we can turn it round, and I think we’ll get out of it.

“Eddie Gray and all the players believe we can, so it’s just a matter of when and not if.”