Defender Tom Lees admits he experienced the full range of emotions in the space of just 20 first half minutes at Elland Road on Tuesday.

The 20-year-old was unfortunate to put through his own goal on 21 minutes against Hull City to cancel out Ross McCormack's opener, but the courageous youngster responded in some style by smashing home his first Leeds goal to restore the advantage before half-time.

Tom's strike proved decisive with Robert Snodgrass swiftly adding a third goal at the start of the second half and United went on to record a first league win of the season.

"It was great to get a result," said Tom. "It was a very eventful game and there were a lot of goals so it will have been an entertaining to watch. It was enjoyable to play in after a certain few minutes, and it was great to get the season started now.

"I went from the worst feeling I have had in a long time to one of the best feelings I've had in a long time. When the ball went in my own net it was a horrible feeling and the lads were trying so hard to put things right after the first few games…the important thing was not to let them gain momentum, but we started better and we carried on even after they equalised and won the game.

"I had to turn my head around very quickly because at this level players can see if it is on your mind or you are a bit shaky and they will try and exploit it and punish you for it. A couple of the lads had a word, but I knew myself I had to get my head right."

Tom is one of a handful of young players who have blossomed during the opening week or so of the season. While former Man City midfielder Adam Clayton has been outstanding in the middle of the park, Tom is one of a number of homegrown players to have come to the fore.

Tom was joined by fellow Academy graduate Aidy White in the starting line-up on Tuesday, and both players are keen to repay the faith shown by Simon Grayson.

"It's been great to be given a chance by the manager," said Tom.

"We're trying to do all we can to repay him and show what we can do. Aidy's been chomping at the bit and now we have the chance, we want to keep the shirt and repay that. It takes a lot to put young lads in the back four because of the quality players who are in this league and Paddy and Darren really helped us along.

"I'll be going in as I have done for the first couple of weeks. I won't think I have a starting place, I'll try my best, try and keep improving, and hopefully I'll stay in. I think I came back in the summer with the same chance as everyone else."

Tom is now looking forward to the challenge of Sunday's televised trip to West Ham when United will come up against a Hammers side littered with Premier League talent.

"They are a quality side with quality Premier League class players, but we have some good players and it'll be a difficult team to pick," added Tom.