Forssell is ready for Championship fray

The 30-year-old former Chelsea and Birmingham City striker yesterday signed a deal at Elland Road until the end of the season after impressing manager Simon Grayson on trial.

Forssell has been a free agent since leaving German side Hannover at the end of last season.

But the Finland international insists facing Moldova, when he scored a penalty in a 4-1 win, and Holland in Euro 2012 action during the past seven days means he is ready to make an impact.

He said: “I have been working hard and training over the summer. I played two 90 minutes for Finland at the weekend which felt good, so I am happy.

“Maybe I am lacking a bit of match fitness but a few games and some more good training sessions will help.”

Leeds, who have also been trying to bring Danny Pugh in on loan from Stoke City, face Crystal Palace tomorrow at Elland Road

After a disappointing return of four points from the opening five games, manager Grayson knows back-to-back home games – Bristol City visit West Yorkshire on September 17 – offer a chance to move up the table.

The United manager, who lost Max Gradel to Saint Etienne towards the end of the transfer window, has this week been boosted by Luciano Becchio returning to action in a behind-closed-doors friendly.

Becchio’s recovery from a hamstring injury means Grayson suddenly has a host of strikers vying for a place with Andy Keogh and Ross McCormack having started at Ipswich a fortnight ago and Billy Paynter pushing for a recall after injury.