Sadly for Ben, the season was one he won't forget in a hurry. The defender started just two games - the first of the season and the second one coming in April - as injuries ruined his campaign.

Having featured regularly in pre-season, it was envisaged that the former Academy product would have a big role to play for United, but he faced a real test of character while sidelined with injury.

Ben is the longest serving player at the club in terms of senior involvement, having made his debut at Sandnes in Norway during the pre-season tour of 2006. During that season he was loaned to Bradford City where he gained his first real experience of senior football.

Ben made his United debut at Macclesfield Town in the Carling Cup in the 2007-2008 season, and the highly-rated left-back also gained further experience at Darlington, where he helped the Quakers reach the League Two Play-Offs at the end of the 2007-2008 season.

Ben returned to Leeds as a key member of the senior squad and scored his first goal at Northampton in the FA Cup in November 2008.

He re-established himself in the senior side, following the arrival of Simon Grayson as manager, and after a season of injury problems, he is aiming to do so again.