Ross McCormack is Leeds United's new captain

Leeds United manager Brian McDermott has confirmed striker Ross McCormack as the club's new captain. McCormack, the club's leading goalscorer with 18 goals in all competitions this season, will replace Rudy Austin who was appointed as club captain at the start of the season. McDermott revealed he took the decision to hand McCormack the armband following talks with Austin earlier this week. "The situation is that I had a good conversation with Rudy Austin - he is a great guy and we had a good discussion." McDermott told the club's website. I want Rudy to play his game. He feels his personality isn't conducive to that role. "You can see his leadership qualities in the way he plays and tracks back. Leeds United means so much to him. I just want to take that pressure away and I want him to play the way he wants with freedom. "I actually spoke to Ross in April and said 'we need leaders and you are leader.' Whether he saw himself as a leader then I don't know. "I see him as a talisman and a leader. He has matured an awful lot. Everyone knows what he thinks about Leeds United." McCormack's first match as club skipper will be the lunchtime clash at home to Sky Bet Championship leaders Leicester City on Saturday, The Scotland international tweeted: "Absolutely delighted to be the captain of Leeds United. Really looking forward to it. A proud day for myself and my family."

SNODDY SET FOR NATIONS CUP CLASH

United star Robert Snodgrass is hoping to tread the international stage for the first time on Wednesday as Scotland begin their Carling Nations Cup campaign against Northern Ireland in Dublin.
Scotland manager Craig Levein has confirmed his starting XI for the game, and Robert knows he will be among the substitutes for his country's opening match the Aviva Stadium.
"This is what I used to think about as a kid," said Robert. "It'll be great if I do get a run out. I know a few of the lads in the squad and have played against most of them or have come across them at some stage in my career.
"There's some good talent and hopefully we can get a result against Northern Ireland."
The competition kicked off on Tuesday evening with the Republic of Ireland beating Wales 3-0 in Dublin. The four-team tournament continues in May over a five-day period when the winners will be decided.
"There's some interesting games," said Robert. "It makes it that more exciting with the 'battle of Britain' type thing. It'd be even more exciting if England were in there, but there's some fantastic players involved and we've got to do as well we can do, and see where it takes us.
"It'll be very close. All the countries will fancy their chances. We're a strong team, we have boys playing in the Premiership who are learning their trade, and it'll be all the more sweeter if we can come back with a trophy."
Snod was expected to come against our on-loan defender George McCartney for Northern Ireland, but George withdrew from the squad at the weekend.
Also in international action on Wednesday are striker Davide Somma, for South Africa against Burkina Faso in Rustenburg, and Ramon Nunez, who is with Honduras. VOTE FOR NPOWER PLAYER OF YEAR