Leeds manager Simon Grayson tonight wants his players to continue showing the competitive instinct that can help fire them to success in the Championship next season.

Grayson takes his squad to Bury for their third pre-season friendly knowing there is strong competition for places in all departments of the team.

He said: “They are already jostling for positions. There is a strong competitive edge because they all want to be in the team for our opening match of the season against Derby.

“Those who are in the team from the start know they have the opportunity to stay there throughout the season.

“If anyone thinks he is guaranteed a place and needn’t try hard in pre-season, he will find himself left out of the team.”

Tonight’s game is United’s first domestic pre-season friendly of the summer after a defeat and a victory on their week-long tour to Slovakia.

The reserves start the defence of their title with a visit to Gateshead on Wednesday, August 18 in the Totesport.com League East Division.

Their first home game is against Hartlepool United on Tuesday, August 24 at Elland Road, which also stages their final fixture of the season against Grimsby Town on Tuesday, April 19.