Leeds midfielder Adam Clayton believes his side can be promotion contenders – if they cut out the errors.

United were 2-0 up at Brighton last time out but needed a last-gasp Ross McCormack goal to rescue a Championship point after going 3-2 down.

Some generous defending has resulted in Leeds conceding two or more goals in seven of their 11 games so far but Clayton is confident a meaner rearguard will equal a move up the table.

He said: “I don’t think anyone is tearing us apart and we’re not fearing anyone. It’s been more a case of individual mistakes in games.

“They (Brighton) were a good team and for long periods we coped well with them. But it was one of those games we should have won, like a few this year.

“We have to look to stop it and come out with three points in games like that.

“But it’s a great group of lads here and everyone is in it together. When we go behind, we never stop and we try and get back in the game.

“We have to cut the mistakes out and try and stay in front, and when we do we will move up in the league and we will be contenders.”

Clayton has made a promising start to the campaign, with some impressive performances in the Leeds engine room as well as scoring twice in nine appearances.

The 22-year-old hopes his stay at Elland Road will be a long one and wants to see an improved showing from the team, starting against Portsmouth on Saturday.

He said: “I’m really enjoying it. I just want to keep going. I’d love to stay at Leeds for a very long time and I’m more than happy at the moment.

“It’s a great crowd here and maybe we’ve left ourselves a bit open at times in games. But if we can be more drilled and get the crowd behind us, hopefully we can get the win on Saturday. Hopefully the fans can go away happy.”