Viduka's title pledge

Viduka aims to make immediate impact

Leeds striker Mark Viduka has pledged to repay the faith placed in him by the club by shooting them to the Premiership title.

The Australian international blamed his slow start to last season on the protracted nature of his move from Celtic because of a work permit problem.

He rediscovered his goal-scoring touch after the Sydney Olympics, netting 22 goals for Leeds.

But Viduka - who recently signed a new five-year contract putting an end to speculation of a move abroad - is hoping to make an immediate impact this season.

I believe we've a really good chance of winning the title this year

Mark Viduka

He said: "There are no off-the-field hassles any more, so hopefully I can start from day one and concentrate on scoring goals, which is my job.

"Last season I wasn't settled. I had the work permit problems, and then for a while I was living in a hotel waiting to move into my house.

"It all really hampered me and I never got going until after the Olympics.

"It helps that I've committed my future to Leeds and I'm delighted to have done so.

"There was a lot of talk about me going here and there, but I'm more than happy to be at Leeds. They were always my first choice.

"The club were sensational towards me, and as I said last year it would have had to have taken some unbelievable offer to have prised me out of Leeds."

Viduka admitted to being flattered by the interest shown in him by Real Madrid and AC Milan, putting it down to Leeds' great run in the Champions League.

Our squad, when fully fit, is definitely capable of a sustained title challenge

Mark Viduka

And the strapping forward believes Leeds can repeat their heroics in the league - as long as the team stays injury-free.

"I believe we've a really good chance of winning the title this year," Viduka added.

"At the start of last season half the squad was on the treatment table.

"Hopefully, touch wood, we can keep the injury list to a minimum and have everybody fit and ready to go.

"Manchester United and Arsenal might have added some big name players, but our squad, when fully fit, is definitely capable of a sustained challenge.

"We have showed we can compete with the best domestically and in Europe. Hopefully this season we can go a step further and win some silverware."