Christie scored his first Leeds goal in the win over Stockport

Manager Simon Grayson has said Malcolm Christie has a big part to play in Leeds United's promotion push.

After an injury-ravaged few years the striker, 29, scored his first goal for Leeds in Sunday's 3-1 win at Stockport.

Grayson told BBC Radio Leeds: "We know if we can keep him fit we'll have a real player on our hands.

"I want competition all over the pitch and the strikers know if they aren't performing Malcolm can come in. That helps everyone drive on."

Christie managed just 49 appearances in four-and-a-half years at Middlesbrough and was released in May 2007.

He recently joined Leeds after more than a year without a professional club.

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