Toumani Diagouraga admits it was a "weird" feeling to make his United debut against former club Brentford on Tuesday night, just over 24 hours on from completing his switch away from Griffin Park.

The midfielder, who was introduced on the hour mark as a replacement for Luke Murphy, entered the pitch to a warm ovation from the home supporters, having spent six fruitful years at Brentford prior to moving to Elland Road for an undisclosed fee on Monday.

Diagouraga played his part, too, helping United cancel out Sam Saunders’ first-half opener as Mustapha Carayol struck six minutes from time to secure a deserved late point on the road after a much improved second half.

“It felt very good,” Diagouraga said.

“It was very weird to play against Brentford after six years here.

“But you have to try and block the crowd out and I just wanted to do my best for Leeds United.”

Head coach Steve Evans was full of praise for the midfielder’s first outing in Leeds colours on the back of just one training session with his new team-mates.

"I thought Diagouraga was outstanding", Evans said.



"You could see within two minutes of him coming on that he was composed. He will do very well for Leeds United.



"He only trained yesterday with the boys for the first time, but we look forward to working with him, he's a great addition to the squad.”

Diagouraga is now chasing a first start for his new club, with the midfielder eligible to feature at Bolton Wanderers on Saturday afternoon having not appeared for Brentford in the Emirates FA Cup this term.

The Frenchman knows he faces stiff competition for places in the United midfield, though, but insists that is something he’s relishing in the weeks ahead.

“I feel 100 per cent comfortable playing alongside Liam Bridcutt – he’s a Premier League player – and I came on for Luke Murphy, who’s a good player,” Diagouraga said.

“We’ve got a talented squad and whoever I’m asked to play with, I’ll do it.

“We just want to win as many games as possible now and see where it takes us.

“I haven’t played in the FA Cup this season so I can play at Bolton on Saturday and I’m looking forward to it.

“I just want to play as many games as possible now for Leeds United.”