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.

"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."