Big changes but no excuses - Macca

Leeds boss Gary McAllister will make wholesale changes to his side for tonights visit of Hartlepool in the Carling Cup.

The Whites boss is quick to point out that this will not be an excuse for his side to lose the game as they look to progress to the fourth round of the competition for the first time since November 2001.

McAllister told the Evening Post: "We've got a big squad and the fortunate thing with both the Carling Cup and the Johnstone's Paint Trophy is we've been able to get players on the fringes highly competitive games.

"There will be changes for Hartlepool but I have to stress that we won't be fielding an under-strength side. That's what we've always been searching for - real competition.

"It's not a case of people who aren't in the starting XI sulking. They appreciate the hard work that's being done by the guys who've been given the 11 shirts.

"They've got to show me, my staff and the Leeds United fans that if there's an injury, they're capable of coming in and playing a big part."