Stephen McPhail has taken a swipe at former manager David O'Leary as he looks to make up for lost time with both club and country.

Following two years of misery, McPhail's career has been resurrected following the arrival of Terry Venables in the summer, and he is now looking forward to a positive future at Elland Road and with the Republic of Ireland.

Last season McPhail found himself out in the cold under O'Leary, despite returning from a longstanding Achilles injury, as the Irishman claimed there was no room in the Premiership for a passing midfielder like the 22-year-old.

When McPhail was loaned out to Millwall towards the end of the campaign he thought his days at Leeds were numbered.

O'Leary's sacking three months ago prevented that, and with Venables now adopting a different tactical and playing approach McPhail finds himself back in the first team, with his start at Aston Villa on Sunday his first in the league for almost two years.

McPhail is also hoping his re-emergence at Leeds will see him given a role with the Republic when they face Switzerland in a Euro 2004 qualifier at Lansdowne Road next Wednesday.

"It's been a huge boost for me with Terry coming in," stated McPhail. "When I went to Millwall on loan at the end of last season I knew then I wanted to get away in the summer, but the change has done me the world of good.

"I needed it, a lot of the lads did. We all needed a lift. In the camp we're a lot happier and a lot stronger now. We feel like we can do a lot more this year.

"It's a lot different under Terry compared to David in terms of tactics . . . if he (O'Leary) said there's no room for passing then you might as well not play the game. It's all about passing the ball to make angles and create chances."