Grayson allays Lichaj recall fears

SIMON GRAYSON has allayed fears Leeds United could lose loan defender Eric Lichaj due to an injury scare at his parent club Aston Villa.The right-back has slotted in seamlessly into the United backline in the past two games in the absence of hamstring victim Paul Connolly.Some concerns had arisen that Lichaj, who joined on a month’s loan on February 9, could be recalled early by Premier League Villa with right-sided defender Carlos Cuellar out until mid-March with a hamstring injury.But Luke Young has just returned to full training at Villa Park after a knee problem and is now set to challenge Kyle Walker for the right-back berth.

Grayson has also scotched talk keeper David Gonzalez could return to Manchester City following injury concerns regarding Eastlands no.2 Shay Given.He said: “Eric isn’t a problem because we’ve got him for at least 28 days; you can’t recall a player back before that. “Sometimes, in difficult situations, goalkeepers can be recalled.“But I know Manchester City have Stuart Taylor there already and we’ve had no information or calls from the respective clubs and hopefully we don’t.“Eric has done well for us and settled very quickly into the team and David is just waiting for an opportunity to get into the (matchday) 18.”

Meanwhile, United report no new fresh injury concerns ahead of tonight’s derby with Barnsley.

The Reds are without influential defender Stephen Foster this evening, along with 2009-10 player of the year Hugo Colace.

Also on the crocked list for the visitors are defenders Jay McEveley and Luke Potter.

Ex-United striker Andy Gray and Garry O’Connor are pushing for starts.