Football: Batty finally makes return for Leeds

THE LEEDS UNITED midfielder David Batty is keeping his fingers crossed that a nightmare eight months is finally behind him. Batty made his long-awaited return to action for Leeds on Tuesday, playing the full 90 minutes of a Pontins League reserve team victory over Derby at Pride Park.

The road back has been a long one for Batty after breaking a rib during his second match for Leeds in December following a pounds 4.4m transfer from Newcastle. Batty was expected to be out for a month, but complications arose, with the England international suffering from pericarditis - an inflammation of the lining of the heart.

Although still another two to three weeks from full match fitness, Batty is now hoping to make a first-team comeback by the end of the month to help Leeds with their push for a place in Europe.