Leeds aim for home run

Ferdinand has proved his worth since joining Leeds

BBC Sport Online's Alex Perry says that without the Champions League to distract them, Leeds could steal a march on their rivals in the Premiership.

Expectations have been raised at Elland Road in recent years, but last season's Champions League run was probably beyond the dreams of most fans.

But, despite all the recent achievements, David O'Leary and his squad will have to face up to the fact that there will be no repeat of that incredible run this time around.

Liverpool's amazing finish to last season ensured that Leeds would have to be content with a place in the Uefa Cup this term.

Without belittling Europe's second competition, it does struggle to emerge from the shadow of the Champions League.

  Summer transfers

IN

Robbie Keane (Inter Milan)

OUT

Kevin Dixon (Barnsley)

Tony Hackworth (Notts County)

Gareth Evans (Huddersfield)

For that reason, David O'Leary's team may have an extra focus on this season's Premiership.

So while Liverpool and Arsenal aim to emulate Leeds' exploits in last season's Champions League, David O'Leary's side may be able to steal a march on the domestic front.

O'Leary has been quiet in the transfer market, the only change being Robbie Keane's addition to the permanent staff at Elland Road.

But Leeds had already splashed out on the likes of Rio Ferdinand, Mark Viduka and Dominic Matteo.

'Confidence the key'

The £18m price tag on Ferdinand surprised many, but the ex-West Ham player has proved his worth since joining.

"I haven't surprised myself at all at how far my career has come on since joining Leeds," says Ferdinand, "although other people might have been.

"As I've said before on many occasions, I've always had confidence in my own ability to do well. That confidence is the key.

We have to make sure we keep up with Manchester United, who are the benchmark

Rio Ferdinand

"I'm looking forward to the new season, particularly if we can take our form from the back end of last season into this one," adds Ferdinand.

And he has a point, particularly as Leeds struggled with a mountain of injuries at the start of last term.

With a bit more luck this season and a good start, who knows what the Elland Road outfit can achieve?

"We have to make sure we keep up with Manchester United, who are the benchmark," says Ferdinand.

"But we should take heart from what we achieved during those last few months when we did so well.

"If we avoid the catalogue of injuries we had last season then I'm sure we've a good chance, despite the amazing amounts of money Manchester United and Arsenal have spent this summer."