ORIENT defender Tamika Mkandawire is keen to end Leeds' play-off hopes this weekend by shackling' one of League One's deadliest strikers.

United frontman Jermaine Beckford has rattled in 19 goals this season for the Elland Road outfit and Mkandawire believes he will have his hands full marking the former Wealdstone hitman.

And having only just returned to action after a hernia operation at Port Vale last weekend, ex- Hereford centre-half Mkandawire is keen to play after a frustrating spell on the sidelines.

"Of course it has been disappointing not playing lately, because no footballer likes watching games," said Mkandawire. "So hopefully I am involved again on Saturday against Leeds and I'm sure it will be a tough game.

"If I am selected to play I know I will have my hands full because Jermaine Beckford is a very good player.

"But I will be doing my best to shackle him, although I won't be setting out with just that aim because I need to concentrate on my own game and do what I do best."

Mkandawire would also like to get one over on a Leeds team, who were lucky to escape with a point at Elland Road earlier in the season after bungling ref Nigel Miller failed to spot Adam Boyd's late effort had crossed the line.

He continued: "We felt we should have won the game, because we were robbed in the end. So it would be good to beat them and hopefully put the record straight on Saturday.

"It would be good to take four points off anyone for the season, but to do it against a club the size of Leeds with their stature would be a fantastic achievement.

"After the last three games it would also be nice to put on a good performance for our fans, especially as it is going to be a full house on Saturday."