LUKE Murphy is relishing a return to Leeds for tomorrow's tasty Carabao Cup second round clash (K.O 7.45pm).

The Crewe Alex skipper ended his first stint with the Railwaymen when he secured a £1m move to the Elland Road club in 2013. He featured regularly for them in the Championship for three seasons before being loaned out twice to Burton Albion.

The 31-year-old has fond memories of the five years he spent on the Yorkshire outfit's books, but he hopes the tie can help kick-start the Alex's stuttering start to the 2021/22 campaign.

"I was delighted with the draw and the chance to go back to Elland Road, although I went back there with Bolton. It was an eye-opener being at Leeds, they couldn't do enough for you and it's such a good club," said Murphy.

"They've really kicked on since I left and have done so well.

"But we need to embrace and soak it up [the atmosphere] as these occasions don't come around often."

Murphy hopes the magnitude of the task - although Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa is likely to significantly change his side from the one drawing 2-2 with Everton at the weekend - should be a useful distraction amid Crewe's disappointing start, which has seen them lost three of their first four League One games.

"It's come at a good time for us and it's an opportunity to take our mind off the league," added the midfielder.

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"We've not really got going and hit our full potential this season. It takes us a while to get into games, although we've had some decent spells in the past two games and we've created a few chances.

"The gaffer says we're a work in progress and that is true. There are a lot of players who are not here any more this season which makes a massive difference. That's just a fact, but we will get better, although it will take time."

The tie is heading for a sell-out (37,700) and Alex boss Dave Artell said: "It's going to be a proper test in front of a big crowd."