The forgotten man of Leeds United, Michael Bridges, made his long awaited return to first team action last night, as the Yorkshire club narrowly beat Metalurg Zaporizhzhya in their UEFA Cup first round first leg tie.

Bridges, who has been on the sidelines for nearly two years, produced the telling pass for Leeds' solitary goal from Alan Smith. The 24-year-old's injury problems started when he was stretchered off with an Achilles problem in a Champions League tie against Besiktas.

He then suffered career-threatening cruciate ligament. Manager Terry Venables singled out Michael Bridges for praise following his return as a 65th-minute substitute at Elland Road.

Venables said: "I thought Michael did very well. It has been a hard story for him. He must have had times when he was very low, very low. But in the two years he has been out he has worked extremely hard.

"He has been frustrated because he wanted to get back into the team, but this was a big moment for him tonight and I thought he not only played well but contributed well to the goal. I am very happy for him."

Leeds struggled to make much of an impact over their Ukrainian opponents but the breakthrough finally came in the 80th minute. Bridges barged his way through the Zaporizhzhya defence after latching on to a long ball. He pulled the pass back to Smith who converted any chance.

Bridges will now be looking for an extended run in the first team and get back to the free scoring form that he was in prior to his injury hell.

Shortly before his enforced absence many were tipping the youngster to make an impact on the international scene. Back to full fitness, it surely won't be long before similar comments are made again and Bridges may well get the opportunity to add a senior cap to the three Under 21 caps that he earned previously.