Schmeichel aiming to get better

During the years when David O'Leary's young side were going head to head with Manchester United at the top of the Premier League, Peter Schmeichel was often an immovable object in the visitors' goal.

A decade or so on, however, and times have changed, and so to have Leeds who, after a three-year stint in the football wilderness that is League One, now occupy the second tier of English football.

They do so with a Schmeichel in goal, Peter's son Kasper having arrived on a free from Notts County as the one stellar signing of the summer that has genuinely excited supporters.

On Saturday, and with dad Peter watching from the West Stand, Schmeichel junior quickly installed himself as a fans' favourite with a string of fine saves.

The 23-year-old former Manchester City goalkeeper said: "Everyone knows the history (between his father and Leeds) but that was then and this is now.

"I hope the fans can respect the fact my dad was a good player. Obviously, he played for the enemy but I think the fans here are clever enough to realise the player he was."

Asked about his debut, Schmeichel added: "We created lots of chances and hit the bar a couple of times. It is a big step up from League One but I think we will be okay.

"Some of the saves are a bit of a blur but I will go away and see what I can improve on for the next game.

"I didn't want to be in the spotlight but that is why I am in the side. If anyone gets through our defence, it is my job to step up."

United's defeat was especially sweet for Derby manager Nigel Clough, who revealed afterwards his annoyance that 12-year-old son William had been prevented from walking on the pitch 75 minutes before kick-off by stewards due to "it being a club rule, apparently".

For Leeds captain Richard Naylor, however, the opening-day defeat was a source of major frustration.

He said: "It was probably a fair result. There were chances for both sides and we dominated some of the game.

"But when teams come away from home, they can afford to sit back and hit you on the break. That is what Derby did and they did it well.

"We were very open as a team and we started well but one bad pass and they were at us. You can't afford to be like that.

"As a team we have to get better – we are going to have to learn and learn fast. But it is not beyond us to be competitive in this league and I am confident we will be."