Dennis Wise has called on his Leeds players to show character and battling qualities at Luton on Saturday as they bid to return to winning ways.

Kevin Blackwell has left Kenilworth Road, with Mick Harford stepping into the breach, and Wise is convinced the Hatters' new boss will guide them to safety.

Blackwell's departure means there can be no repeat of the rumpus between him and Wise after United's 1-0 victory at Elland Road in September.

In fact, Wise and Harford are such good friends that they are set to meet for a drink after United arrive at their hotel.

Wise said: "It is Mick's first home game in charge and it will be played on a boggy ground. We will need strong characters because it is going to be a battle. It is not going to be pretty.

"Luton face a challenge to climb out of the bottom four but I think they will do it with Mick going there. I will probably have a beer with him on Friday night and try to get him drunk before he picks his team!"

In what appears a thinly-disguised swipe at Blackwell, Wise added: "Luton have done very well in recruiting Mick because he won't make excuses, blame other people or the lack of money after the club went into administration. He will just get on with it.

"Mick is a good man and a very good coach who knows his stuff. He doesn't cry about things - he is a fighter who has a charisma that can lift players. He is a man's man who players look up to and believe in. You look at the size of him and he commands respect.

"I used to keep away from him when he was in the opposition. He came and played for Chelsea when I was there and I was pleased to have him on my side."

United central defender Darren Kenton has recovered from the ankle injury which forced him to miss the second half against Doncaster, while midfielder Jonny Howson is also fit again and in contention, but Neil Kilkenny serves a one-match ban.

And 6ft 5in striker Enoch Showunmi will not be turning out for Leeds, having opted to remain at Bristol City today.

Showunmi, who won back-to-back promotions with Luton before joining the Robins, spoke to Dennis Wise but the Nigerian has decided to stay and fight for his place at Ashton Gate.

United are giving trials to former Barnsley defender Dominik Werling, 25, Trinidad & Tobago World Cup striker Cornell Glen, 26, and Latvian international defender Oskars Klava, also 26.

Glen turned out for LA Galaxy, while Klava won the Latvian championship in 2005 with Liepajas Metalurgs.

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