Skipper Jonny Howson is hoping his Leeds United team will leave MK Dons with a smile on their faces on Saturday evening.

United head for the promotion challengers with memories still fresh of last season's mauling by the same opposition the weekend before Christmas.

The 3-1 MK Dons defeat was United's fifth straight loss and proved the end of the road for then manager Gary McAllister.

"No one enjoyed it down there last season," said Jonny.

"It was Gary McAllister's last game in charge, and hopefully we can put the feeling of last season to bed and leave with a smile this time.

"Confidence is sky high at the minute and the way we are playing at the minute people know they have to perform to stay in there.

"MK will be a tough place to go. They've had a good start to the season."

United go into the MK Dons clash on the back of a confidence-boosting performance against Liverpool in the Carling Cup in midweek.

Leeds went out of the comeptition, following a 1-0 reverse, but the manager and his players earned plenty of plaudits for their performance.

"I really enjoyed the night," added Jonny. 

"I thought we could have taken the game into extra time and it was disappointing that we didn't get something out of it, but looking back I really enjoyed the test and we gave them a good game.

"I saw Jamie Carragher's interview when he said it was their hardest game this season. When you look at who they've played we should be very proud of ouselves."