SUNDAY'S game against Leeds is sure to provide another test of our Premiership credentials.

And, I for one, can't wait for the game to start if only to renew acquaintances with Ewood old-boy David Batty!

I wasn't with the first team during his time at Rovers but I certainly have my own special memory of the England midfielder.

One of my very first games in a Rovers shirt was against Newcastle when Batty used to play for them.

And I clearly recall him catching me in the face with his forearm during a tackle.

I couldn't feel my mouth for a week after that and I remember thinking at the time 'Welcome to the world of grown up football.'

I know I didn't think so then, but he probably did me a favour in doing that because its things like that which help to toughen you up quickly.

As a young player still finding your feet in the game, you either sink or swim in those situations.

And, thankfully for me, it seems to have helped me get used to the rigours of playing in top-flight professional football.

Looking at the Leeds team, it's going to be a very tough game for us on Sunday.

They've got quality players right through their team in the likes of Rio Ferdinand, Mark Viduka and Harry Kewell.

And then there's a certain Robbie Fowler who will be desperate to break his scoring duck at our expense.

As I said last week, I think Robbie's a quality player and I believe he will prove himself as one of the best finishers in the game during his time with United.

But our defence have already managed to keep him quiet once already this season so let's hope they can do it again.

We'll certainly need to play better than we did against Middlesbrough last week if we want to get something out of the game.

That was a very disappointing performance and the players were just as down about it as the fans.

For whatever reason we just didn't get going on the day and we need to start scoring more goals as a team if we want to enjoy Christmas.

On a brighter note, though, I was delighted to see Brett Ormerod clinch his move to Southampton this week.

I believe Brett has all the tools required to make it in the top-flight.

And if anyone deserves to succeed in the game then it's him because he's got a brilliant attitude.

It's great to see another Harwood lad in the Premiership -- just as long as he doesn't score against us when the Saints visit Ewood later in the season!