Stephen McPhail has joined First Division Millwall on loan until the end of the season in a bid to boost his World Cup aspirations.
The young Republic of Ireland midfielder has been consistently overlooked by David O’leary at Leeds this season and is desperate for first-team football after fading out of the international scene.
Premiership hopefuls Milwall - the Lions occupy a play-off berth - have brought in the 22-year-old to boost their promotion campaign.
Manager Mark McGhee said: "Stephen McPhail is a player I have been interested in for a long time. I have tried on several occasions this season to bring him to Millwall.
"He is a player who, at the moment, we couldn't afford to bring in on a permanent basis. Stephen is an international-class midfielder who I hope will encourage us to play a bit more football over the remaining games".
McPhail will team up with fellow Republic of Ireland internationals Richard Sadlier and Steven Reid at the New Den with all three hoping to figure in Mick McCarthy’s World Cup plans.
The Dubliner could make his Lions debut when Sheffield Wednesday visit Millwall on Saturday.