Summer signing Kasper Schmeichel has wasted little time in settling into his new surrounds at Leeds United.

The former Danish under-21 international goalkeeper was among the first arrivals at Thorp Arch when the squad returned to pre-season training, and he was the last player to leave.

"It was great," he told LUTV. "It was great meeting everyone and all the lads.

"It was a tough session, but it's good to get back into things. I've been working by myself over the summer, but it was great to start training here.

"If we can build a solid base on our fitness we can have a huge advantage over some of the players we will be playing against.

"I've come from Notts County and there were a lot of characters there and it seems to be the same here. I'm really, really happy to be here."

Early running aside, goalkeepers are the envy of their squad-mates during pre-season due to the differing nature of their summer work.

"With the long distance stuff you develop a different type of fitness to what you need as a keeper," explained Kasper.

"As a goalkeeper you need to do the more explosive suff so we do a lot of sprints, a lot of boxing, some ball work, and a lot of repetition.

"It's a matter of getting your eye in on your first day, getting used to the balls and having shots fired at you."

Under the watchful eye of goalkeeping coach Andy Beasley, Kasper joined fellow goalkeepers Shane Higgs and Alan Martin for some ball work during the first session at Thorp Arch.

And there is already friendly competition between the hopefuls.

"We worked all morning together," said Kasper. "It's a great little group. I enjoyed it and they all seemed really nice.

"I feel great. I haven't come hetre to sit on the bench - I want to play. 

"I want to get my head down, work hard, and show the manager what I can do."

Kasper's determination comes across clearly and he is more than defiant when asked about the chances of United winning a second successive promotion.

"I see no reason why not," he added. 

"The Championship is a crazy league. Look at Blackpool last season - they came from nowhere and are in the Premier League now.

"It's important we have good home form, but with the players we have here and the spirit we have here...when you combine it all, there's no reason why we can't do well."

See more from Kasper and from United's return to Thorp Arch...