Two Slovakian trialists turned out in the first half of Leeds’ opening pre-season friendly defeat against MFK Ruzomberok in northern Slovakia last night.

Midfielder Tomas Brusco, from MFK Dubnika, and under-21 international central defender Marian Jarabica, from Ceske Budejivice, received 45 minutes to impress.

But in sweltering conditions, United lost to a 16th-minute goal by Jan Chovanec.

Robert Snodgrass shot against a post with nine minutes left and Davide Somma later had a goal disallowed in a dubious offside decision.

SimonGrayson gave his entire tour party a run-out against a team which finished fifth in the Slovakian Premier League last season.

United’s first half line-up was: Schmeichel (Martin 33); Crowe, Jarabica, Collins, Bessone; Sam, Howson, Brusco, White; Grella, Becchio.

Turning out in the second half were: Martin (Higgs 60); Connolly, Bromby, Lees, Hughes; Gradel, Kilkenny, Johnson, Snodgrass; Somma, Paynter.