Leeds United v Lincoln City: Imps' visit gives Leeds chance to capture win

The Elland Road club earned rave reviews with stirring displays against Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool.

However, the effect of playing 14 ties in the FA Cup, Carling Cup and Johnstone's Paint Trophy seemed to have an adverse effect on league results during the second half of the long campaign.

Naylor acknowledges that life did become "pretty hectic" for the United squad, particularly early in the new year as the club battled through to the FA Cup fourth round and the Northern Area final of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.

Despite that, the Leeds captain is adamant that victory over League Two Lincoln City tonight is important to boost confidence following the opening-day defeat to Derby County.

Naylor said: "You want to win football matches. That is what it comes down to.

"You never go into a game without the motivation of wanting to win it and in cup competitions you see where that takes you. But it took its toll on us last season because we ended up playing 60 games and the middle part of it was pretty hectic.

"On one hand the big cup games are revenue for the club and feathers in the players' caps. But getting up for matches like that does have an effect on you, physically and mentally.

"The key is you want to get a win under your belt sooner rather than later and we have got an ideal opportunity with this game (against Lincoln) coming round so quickly.

"For confidence, you need a winning mentality and when you lose the first game of the season, the priority is to bounce back as soon as possible. A midweek win would set us up nicely for Nottingham Forest on Sunday."

Simon Grayson will be without Adam Clayton after Manchester City refused permission to play the on-loan midfielder, while Davide Somma, who impressed on loan with the Imps last season, and Max Gradel are suspended.

Naylor, meanwhile, is hoping to start again as he attempts to build his fitness after missing four pre-season friendlies with a hamstring injury.

The Leeds captain added: "I feel fine. The physio (Harvey Sharman) wouldn't let me go out there and train or make myself available if he wasn't happy.

"He is cautious like that. As soon as he gives you the all-clear, the manager has got the green light.

"Derby was my first 90 minutes and I was pleased to get through the game. It hasn't been an ideal summer for me and I would have liked to have played more games but you deal with it."

Last six games: Leeds United WLWLWL, Lincoln City LWDLLL

Last time: Leeds United 7 Lincoln City 0; April 22, 1961; Division Two.

Referee: P Tierney (Lancashire).