Simon Grayson wants to see derby rivals Leeds United and Huddersfield Town swelling the already large contingent of Yorkshire clubs in the Championship.

Leeds manager Grayson visits the Galpharm tomorrow with his team lying second in League One, while Lee Clark’s Huddersfield are sixth. Town have won three of the last four games between the sides, with the other drawn, and Grayson says: “A Championship game between Leeds and Huddersfield would be a great fixture to be involved in.

“Both set of supporters are very passionate about their clubs and the area needs as many Championship teams as possible. If there are two or three more in there over the next few years then happy days, but ultimately it is more about Leeds going up before Huddersfield.”

Tomorrow’s West Yorkshire derby will settle nothing in the promotion race, but its importance is not lost on Grayson.

“Geographically it is a big game for everybody because we are so close to each other and everybody will want the bragging rights,” he said. But we would get no extra points for beating Huddersfield than we did for beating Oldham on Tuesday night.

“It is a big game because of where we both are in the league. The players know they have to play with their heads as well as their hearts. They need to be focused more on the game than the occasion.

"Huddersfield are on a good run at the moment and their confidence will be high, but we never looked like losing the game against Oldham.

“I wouldn’t swap any of my players for Huddersfield’s and I am sure Lee Clark wouldn’t swap any of his for mine. It will be a close game between two teams going head-to-head.

"Over recent years Huddersfield have had the advantage in terms of results but we are going there to win.”

Grayson added: “It is an opportunity for both teams to put on a show and hopefully the crowd and the quality of the football will be a great advert for League One. We are at the business end of the season when points are more important than performances, though we would like to combine both.”

United have no additional injury worries after Tuesday’s game and leading scorer Jermaine Beckford will be looking to score his first goal since the end of January.

Beckford has netted 24 goals in the present campaign but Grayson said: “We are not a one-man team. I would love Jermaine to start scoring again and get lots more goals but it was important that Luciano Becchio scored another couple against Oldham and if Luciano scores again at the weekend, if selected, I’ll be happy.

“You can’t rely on one player because lack of form, injuries and suspensions can all come into it. I am sure if you asked Jermaine he would be delighted to score against Huddersfield because all strikers thrive on goals and that is what his game is all about.”

  • Davide Somma, Leeds’ South Africa born striker, has joined Lincoln on a month’s loan and could make his debut against Crewe tomorrow. Somma, 24, was brought up in America and joined Leeds from San Jose Earthquakes last September after trials.