O'Leary sees no problems

Leeds boss David O'Leary is convinced Michael Duberry and Jonathan Woodgate can work together in harmony and provide the backbone to a sustained Barclaycard Premiership title challenge over the next few weeks.

O'Leary was forced to turn to Duberry and Woodgate for the final 80 minutes of Sunday's ill-fated FA Cup third-round shock against Cardiff at Ninian Park after Rio Ferdinand limped off with ankle ligament damage.

It was the first time since Duberry gave evidence against Woodgate in the re-trial at Hull Crown Court where the 21-year-old faced charges of grievous bodily harm with intent and affray in relation to an assault on student Sarfraz Najeib, that O'Leary had paired them together.

Duberry claimed in a television interview prior to Christmas that Woodgate had not spoken to him since the initial trial 10 months ago, and it was clear the unease still exists as they barely acknowledged one another throughout the remainder of the 2-1 defeat to Cardiff.

With skipper Ferdinand out for up to three weeks after tweaking ankle ligaments, and with Dominic Matteo and Lucas Radebe also sidelined, it means Duberry and Woodgate are certain to join forces on Saturday at title rivals Newcastle.

There is a slim possibility Matteo may have recovered from a hamstring injury, but it seems more likely Duberry and Woodgate will start alongside one another for the first time since a 2-1 win at Middlesbrough 17 months ago.

"I have never had any problems with them and I thought they played well together on Sunday,'' said O'Leary.

"I gave Michael Duberry a five-year contract before Christmas when certain sections of the media were saying we were trying to get him out. I have no qualms with Michael Duberry.

"If you said to me who is the best pairing at the club and could be as good as anything in the country, then I would say Ferdinand and Woodgate. But I have no qualms about Duberry.''