In-form midfielder Adam Clayton firmly believes Leeds United are on the verge of mounting a serious assault on the Championship this season.

The fine line between results has been very much in evidence so far this season with the better performances not meriting rewards, and a couple of weaker ones earning all three points.

Late goals have also been in a regular feature with a never-say-die attitude and, echoing the words of manager Simon Grayson, Adam is insistent that the individual errors are proving the difference between mid-table and a top-six spot.

"I don't think anyone is tearing us apart and we're not fearing anyone," said Adam. "It's been more a case of individual mistakes in games.

"They were a good team on Friday and for long periods we coped with them well, but it was one of those games we should have won, like a few this year. We have to look to stop it and come out with three points in games like that.

"There's been a few dodgy sending offs as well in games which shouldn't have happened and that means the manager has had to change things around.

"But it's a great group of lads here and everyone is in it together. When we go behind, we never stop and we try and get back in the game, and we've done that. We have to cut the mistakes out and stay in front in games, and when we do we will move up the league and we will be contenders."

Adam has made a he impact on what is his first season playing regular Championship football and the youngster, who has another year remaining on his contract after this, has already collected a number of man of the match awards.

"I'm really enjoying it," he said. "I just want to keep going. I'd love to stay at Leeds for a very long time, and I'm more than happy at the moment."

Attentions have now turned towards Saturday's Elland Road clash with Portsmouth as United look to sign off before the second international break with a fourth successive home league victory.

Adam added: "It's a great crowd here and maybe we've left ourselves a bit open at times in games, but if we can be more drilled and get the crowd behind us hopefully we can get the win on Saturday. Hopefully the fans can go away happy."