Kandol misses out because of a virus, but could find himself down the pecking order if any of the three strikers making the trip take the chance to impress manager Gary McAllister.

And with the United boss still in the hunt for more firepower Kandol could find himself in the same position as Seb Carole, Ian Westlake, Curtis Weston, Anthony Elding and Sebastian Sorsa who have all been left in Leeds and appear surplus to requirements.

Surprise inclusions are Marcus Haber, a Canadian under-21 international striker who is looking to win a contract with United, and veteran Paul Telfer, a former Celtic, Southampton and Coventry right back or midfielder currently without a club.

The lack of strikers in the tour party may suggest that manager Gary McAllister is looking at a tactical change for the season ahead, but it may also indicate that he is not convinced about the forwards already at his disposal and will be pushing for at least one more signing in this department ahead of the big kick-off.

Dougie Freedman remains the likeliest signing, but he is having a testimonial game with Crystal Palace at the end of this month and is not expected to move north before then.

Midfielder Neil Kllkenny is another notable absentee from United's travelling squad, but he is joining up with the Australia team that is taking part in the Olympics in China. Teenage prospect Fabian Delph is also on international duty with England under 19s, having been selected in the squad for the UEFA U19 Championships in the Czech Republic.

Rui Marques, meanwhile, returns from an extended summer break to join up with his squad mates for the first time this summer and new signings Andy Robinson and Enoch Showunmi both make the trip.

Leeds are based in Galway initially and will take on Galway United in the opening game tonight (Wednesday), kick-off 7.30pm. From there, they move on to Dublin and face Bray Wanderers on Sunday then Shelbourne on Wednesday, July 23.

"We're looking forward to the trip.