Venables admits that Martyn may be dropped

Terry Venables claims that Nigel Martyn's absence from the Leeds tour of the Far East and Australia could cost the England goalkeeper his first-team place.

The new Leeds manager stressed he had not had any dispute with Martyn and that he had stayed behind in England with his permission because he was tired after the World Cup.

However, Venables admits that Martyn's decision could open the door for Paul Robinson to begin the new season in goal. "I spoke to Nigel and he said he was exhausted after the World Cup and that he would be better at home," Venables said. "It's not going to be helpful for Nigel because he's got a player competing against him very hard for his position. What this does is give Robinson a great chance to come in and show what he can do.

"He's not helped himself, but we have not had any fall-out whatsoever. We had a conversation about it and he knows where I stand and I know where he stands and there are no problems."

Venables also confirmed that Dominic Matteo would succeed Rio Ferdinand as the Leeds captain. Matteo had led the club in their opening pre-season friendly game against Green Town FC earlier this week and the Scotland defender will now have the job permanently.

Matteo's first official match as captain was due to be against the Chilean side Colo Colo in Melbourne earlier today.

Leeds are increasingly resigned to losing Lee Bowyer on a free transfer at the end of the next season. Leeds claim the five-year deal, worth a reported £40,000 a week, that Bowyer rejected at the end of last season remains on the table.

However, although Bowyer claims he is happy to play for Leeds next season following the collapse of his £9m move to Liverpool, he is refusing to commit himself beyond the next 12 months. The midfielder has yet to discuss his future with Venables.