A richly deserved lap of honour followed the 2-1 win over Gillingham in the final league game on Saturday and supporters are now dreaming of another at Wembley later this month.

The Whites leapfrogged Southend to finish in fifth place in League One, just six points behind an automatic promotion place which is a terrific and unprecedented effort from any team with such a points penalty, but it will all count for little if the side fails to now make it through the play-offs that are about to begin.

And that appearance at Wembley in the final cannot be taken for granted as United have to overcome Carlisle in a two-leg semi. With the score at one each between the two clubs in the regular season victory is far from a foregone conclusion.

Leeds clearly go into next Monday's first leg at Elland Road in better form as they defeated Carlisle 3-2 at home less than a month ago and since then the Cumbrians have failed to win, blowing their chances of automatic promotion in the process, while Gary McAllister's side won six out of their last seven matches to end the campaign as they started it as the best team in League One.

But the second leg being at Brunton Park gives the advantage to United's opponents especially as they made their ground a real fortress until the final month of the campaign, winning the most home matches in the whole of the Football League. And, Carlisle were the first team to beat the Whites when they achieved a 3-1 success back in November.

Leeds hope to be back near full strength for the start of the play-offs after resting several players for the Gillingham match. Midfielders Jonny Howson and Neil Kilkenny will be back in the squad while veteran striker Dougie Freedman is a certain starter and could be partnered again with Jermaine Beckford who returned to full training this week after his ankle injury.

Left back Alan Sheehan will miss both legs of the semi-final following his suspension, but manager McAllister has plenty of options and even tried midfielder Bradley Johnson there last Saturday with some success as he got forward well and scored with a spectacular volley.

The safer option would be to choose on-loan defender Darren Kenton, but the versatile Andrew Hughes also comes into contention.

The biggest competition for places is in midfield where David Prutton had a strong game against Gillingham to illustrate his claim for a starting spot. With captain Jonathan Douglas appearing to be first choice it is clear someone will be disappointed to miss out and have to settle for a support slot for the first leg at least.

Up front Beckford's recovery holds the key, but it was encouraging that Tresor Kandol notched his 11th goal of the season with an emphatic winner against Gillingham.

McAllister knows he has to get it right with his team selection, but he appears to be relishing the challenge ahead.

"We have two massive games coming up now and we are really looking forward to them," he said.