David Batty: I'm looking forward to my future at the club

O'Leary's young side thrashed West Ham last weekend but the Irishman believes Batty will be a crucial figure in their bid for honours this season and will not waste any time throwing him into the action.

Batty has signed a four and a half year contract and will fill a holding role in front of a three-man defence.

He is set to make his debut in next Monday's game against Coevntry, with O'Leary insisting: "I am not going to play games with people. David will play if he is fit.

"If that upsets someone who has been in the team, then it is tough. I don't care what the players think, I am trying to build something that is going to last for the next few years."

Leeds have soared into third place in the Premiership table under O'Leary and Batty's return has delighted Leeds fans.

Supporters' club chairman Ray Fell saying: "Everyone is looking forward to David coming back. He is far more experienced than when he left us nd definitely a better player."

He added: "There was a lot of ill-will between the fans and the board when he was allowed to go in the first place. He is Leeds through and through and it's great to have him back."

The deal was delayed by protracted haggling over the transfer fee between Leeds and Newcastle and Batty admits he even considered quitting the game as negotiations wore on.

"It obviously isn't something you take lightly. But it crossed my mind that I might pack it all in," he said.

Batty started as a trainee at Leeds in 1987 and helped them to the League title in 1992, before leaving Elland Road in a £2.75m move five years ago.

He had a transfer request accepted by Newcastle last month but since then the two clubs had been arguing over a fee.

The Yorkshiremen had an original bid of £4m rejected, with the Magpies believed to be wanting closer to £6m.

He has agreed to waive £800,000 in signing-on bonuses, negotiated when he signed a new five-year contract at Newcastle in the close season.