Football Shorts

The Leeds striker had scored 11 goals by this stage of last season but has been on the sidelines since September 15 with an ankle injury.

Now he’s back, he’s targeting an improvement on his three goals so far.

But he revealed initially he was just glad to be back.

McCormack, 26, said: “It’s about three months since I got injured and it’s been a long three months but I’ve worked hard with the physios and the fitness coaches.

“The gaffer pulled me aside on Thursday and said I was going to play.

“I played 90 minutes, which even surprised myself a little bit.

“After about 60 minutes my legs started to get stiff and the gaffer asked me if I wanted to come off but as the game went on, I think I got a little bit stronger and started to get more involved on the ball.”

Leeds visit Derby County at the weekend, with Neil Warnock’s side bidding to make it four Championship wins in a row.

BRADFORD CITY’S schedule has become so packed that the players’ Christmas party has had to be cancelled, but Phil Parkinson insists his squad are relishing the challenge.

The Bantams travel to Port Vale tonight in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy for the first of four midweek games in December, all in different competitions.

With his side also facing League Two outings on each of the four weekend dates, City’s manager knows resources will be stretched to the limit.

He said: “We are used to playing midweek so it won’t be a problem. We’ve played more games than anyone else this season.

“The bonus on Friday (in the FA Cup first round draw with Brentford) was the two lads who came in on loan (Curtis Good and Blair Turgott) played really well.

“You are never quite sure at this level how an Under-21 player will do. But they came in and did a great job in difficult circumstances. It means we have two additional players who can handle the level.”

Port Vale will be without top scorer Tom Pope after the 21-goal forward collected his fifth booking in Saturday’s Cup defeat at Sheffield United.

Richard Duffy and Ryan Burge are also suspended after being yellow carded at Bramall Lane to leave manager Micky Adams with a selection headache.

Huddersfield are assisting West Yorkshire Police with their enquiries into alleged anti-semitic chants directed at Leeds fans during Saturday’s derby defeat at the John Smith’s Stadium.

The Terriers have confirmed there were two separate complaints made to the club after their 4-2 defeat to Leeds and West Yorkshire Police confirmed they were investigating the claims, but nothing had been brought to their attention during the match.

Huddersfield communications manager David Sykes said: “We have had two separate complaints and are obviously taking the complaint very serious.

“We will help West Yorkshire Police in any way we can with their enquiries in order to get to the bottom of the matter and we are also investigating the allegations thoroughly.”

Superintendent Dave Lunn said the police would be looking at whether any racial chanting took place, but added: “This was a successful policing operation of a local derby, which saw only four arrests for public order offences.

“Our priority was around achieving a safe and enjoyable match for all those attending, both prior to and following the event.

“We worked closely with the club to achieve this outcome. I would therefore like to thank the fans for their behaviour throughout, in particular their patience in relation to exit arrangements from the ground.”