United boss Gary McAllister is firmly in the mood for Tuesday's Johnstone's Paint Trophy first round clash against Bradford City at Elland Road (7.45pm).

The two sides meet for the first time in almost eight years and a near 20,000 crowd is expected for the West Yorkshire derby.

It's the manager's first involvement in the JPT, and he is hoping the prospect of a hard fought derby will capture the imagination.

"It'll be a good game and we're all looking forward to it," said the United manager.

"It would be even nicer if we were meeting in a higher league, but we're both striving to get better. Bradford want to get into this division and we're striving to get out of this one.

"People from the outside look at this competition - certainly clubs from the top division who are not involved - and they don't know a lot about it.  But when you see a fixture like this - a big Yorkshire derby - it's different and people will sit up and take notice.

"I think it will be quite tasty. Bradford will bring more than Bristol did on Saturday so there'll be a good crowd and a good atmosphere.

"Hopefully on the night we can serve up an entertaining game - and the team in white will come out with a win."

Tickets are still available for the game, priced at £15 adults and £5 juniors, and fans are advised to book in advance to avoid congestion on the night.