Kidd puts Leeds before England

Kidd wants to concentrate on his new job at Elland Road

Leeds United assistant coach Brian Kidd has ended his association with England's Under-21s in order to concentrate on his club duties.

I want to concentrate on my new job at Elland Road

  Brian Kidd

Kidd was due to join up with the U-21 squad for their European Championship qualifier against Finland on Friday, but he has informed the FA of his decision to quit instead.

"I now want to concentrate on my new job at Elland Road," Kidd said. "I have spoken to Howard Wilkinson and thanked him for permitting me to work with the U-21s."

The former Manchester United No 2 was promoted to Leeds first-team coach on the eve of the game against his old club earlier this month.

The move was seen by some as kidology on Leeds boss David O'Leary's part as he attempted to derail Sir Alex Ferguson's push for another league title.

Kidd had previously been in charge of youth development at the Yorkshire side - a role he took on following his dismissal as Blackburn Rovers boss.