Manager Gary McAllister's decision to axe Danish goalkeeper Casper Ankergen has plunged Lucas back into the spotlight at a club where the aim this season is getting out of League One.

Lucas feared his career was over after suffering three serious knee injuries at Sheffield Wednesday followed by a disappointing spell at Yorkshire neighbours Barnsley.

But Lucas, at 31, now has a golden opportunity to bury that torment and prove that the injury nightmare is a thing of the past.

Speaking ahead of today's home game with Crewe Alexandra, Lucas admitted: "There have been times when I couldn't see the light at the end of the tunnel, when I really needed my mental toughness to kick in.

"Even when I joined Leeds last season, I was not 100 per cent sure that I could train day-in, day-out because I had just not done it for so long. Coming here has been all about proving that I can play football again over a sustained period of time.

"It came as a bit of a surprise when I got the nod for last Saturday's game but I was really chuffed. Now I am determined to enjoy this little spell and make the most of it."

Prior to last weekend's Bristol Rovers game, Lucas had completed 90 minutes in a league game only once in the last two-and-half-years – and that was a forgettable 7-0 defeat for Barnsley at West Bromwich Albion.

But Lucas kept his place in the Leeds side after impressing in a 4-0 Carling Cup victory over Crystal Palace and showed a safe pair of hands again in midweek against Bradford City in the Johnnstone's Paint Trophy.

Manager McAllister needs to improve his side's defensive record after winning just one of the opening four league games and thinks Lucas has warranted the opportunity to play a part.

"David has earned this chance," said McAllister. "As a manager, I have done it in the past – when people come in and do well, when they have warranted the jersey, they have kept it – and I will continue to do that.

"It's up to David Lucas. He has been very supportive of Casper for a long, long time but now he has been given his chance and, rather than just accepting life as a No 2, it's up to him to keep hold of the jersey."

Away from the club, Lucas and Ankergen have struck up a firm friendship which the former, at least, hopes can survive their fight for a first-team place.

Lucas said: "There is a saying that you don't really make friends in football – but Casper and I are probably as close as any two players at the club on a one-to-one basis.

"But Casper has not spoken to me for three weeks," he laughed. "He can be a bit 'moody' at times! But I think we are both old enough and ugly enough to know that it's nothing personal."

One player who will be looking to make life tough for Lucas today is Crewe striker Anthony Elding, who returns to Elland Road for the first time since his summer departure. Elding, who hails from a family of Leeds supporters, made only nine appearances, scoring one goal, and was sold for around £150,000 just six months into a two-and-a-half year deal.

Leeds manager McAllister preferred not to dwell on Elding's return ahead of today's game, saying: "The timing was not the best for him – but I am not going to make a big thing about Anthony Elding. My only concern is about Leeds United getting three points."

Elding, however, says McAllister was 'wrong' to sell him and is disappointed that he never got a chance to prove his worth in the side.

"I'll shake Gary's hand because I'm not bitter about what happened to me," insisted Elding. "I'm confident that, if I'd been given the chance, I'd have scored 20 goals for Leeds this season and I'd love to score the winning goal on Saturday.

"What I didn't want to do was sit tight, take my money and walk about saying I was a 'Leeds United player' when it was obvious I wasn't going to play."

Teenage midfielder Fabian Delph, meanwhile, has signed a new four-year deal at Elland Road.

Several Premier League clubs including Newcastle United and Everton wanted to sign the
17-year-old, but manager Gary McAllister said: "The club is moving forward now. We recognise producing our own is one way to do that, and he is a fantastic product of the Academy. There have been some big clubs asking about his availability but this has sent out a message."

Delph said: "As soon as I was offered the contract I signed. I owe everything to this club. It's where I learned my trade and where I've grown up."

Team news: Leeds are boosted by the return of defender Alan Sheehan, after a three-game absence with concussion, and utility player Paul Telfer who has missed two games with a groin strain. Striker Jermaine Beckford, who was rested for the Johnstone's Paint Trophy, replaces Enoch Showunmi who has been struggling with a hip injury.

Last six games: Leeds WLDWDW, Crewe WLWWLW.

Last time: Leeds 1 Crewe 1; February 23, 2008; League One.

Referee: TM Kettle (Rutland).

Sky Bet odds: Leeds 8-15, Crewe 11-2, Draw 3-1.