Leeds striker Jermaine Beckford has spoken of his gratitude to Championship outfit Scunthorpe for improving him as a player.Beckford was loaned out to the Iron after losing his way at Elland Road last season and went on to score eight goals in 18 appearances to help Scunthorpe clinch promotion from League One.

He said: "It was a massive confidence boost playing at Scunthorpe.

"They were top of the league and doing well, heading for promotion, and to be involved in that was a big help.

"I improved as a player no end and I haven't stopped scoring since."

The 24-year-old, named League One Player of the Year and winner of the Mitre Goal of the Season - for his effort for Scunthorpe against Rotherham - at the Football League 2008 Awards ceremony, has scored 17 goals for Leeds this season.

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