LEEDS United captain Stephen Warnock admits nothing less than victory will do in today's visit of fellow strugglers Wigan to Elland Road.

Neil Redfearn's side are worryingly close to the Championship relegation zone but picked up an encouraging point in last weekend's 1-1 draw at Nottingham Forest.

Now Warnock, who has captained United in the last three outings, is seeking a maximum return to pull further clear of the second-bottom Latics.

"It's massively important because our home form has been very good, barring the recent Fulham game," said the former Liverpool and England left back.

"We've produced some good performances and played some good football at times, so we need to hit the ground running in this game and try and get the crowd behind us.

"Hopefully it will be a big crowd who'll enjoy the game and we'll get the right result."

Despite Leeds sitting 18th after a mixed season so far, Warnock is optimistic of climbing the table and believes the club have a solid future with the Academy continuing to produce first-team players.

"I think the future's bright for the club as the Academy is rolling players out left, right and centre," he said.

"Cookie (Lewis Cook) is obviously the latest one to come through but there's a whole host of them playing in the under-21s who are cracking players and on their way through.

"It's credit to the way the Academy is set up and the catchment that they're getting into the club. I think it helps with it being a one-club city that we're bringing the best in as well."