United are back in the second tier of English football after a three-year absence, and Grayson wants his team to be challenging at the top end of the table.

"The expectancy comes from within," Grayson told Leeds' official website.

"We have an expectancy level and what I demand in terms of work-rate, performance and what we want to achieve. We are playing with less pressure in some respects having had that expectancy of promotion in League One, but believe me the pressure is still there to push on to the next level.

"You can't stand still, we're pushing every week to get back where this club deserves, and if it doesn't happen this year we will try again next year.

"When you've been out of the division a couple of years you want consolidation, but you want to push on as well and hit the heights of what you can achieve. We're all setting our sights on the Premier League.

"We believe we have a group capable of performing at this level. It's a big step up from League One, but it's a challenge that everyone is looking forward to."

Leeds will fancy their chances against Nigel Clough's side, who were a Premier League club as recently as the 2007/08 campaign but spent much of last season looking over their shoulders.

One player raring to go, though, is defender Dean Leacock, who is finally fit having been plagued by injury in recent seasons.

"I am very excited about the new season. There seems to be a big buzz around the training ground. I've been looking forward to this for some time because of all my injuries," Leacock said on the Rams' official website.

"I hope I can repay the gaffer's faith in me. He has stuck by me when he could have easily let me go. I owe him, the fans and the club and I want to do that on the pitch.

"This is the first time in a long time I have completed a pre-season.

"I hope that can work in my favour and I can start all guns blazing."

Leeds have centre-back Richard Naylor fit again, while new loan signing Sanchez Watt provides a much-needed attacking option, with Billy Paynter (shin) and Robert Snodgrass (knee) injured and Max Gradel and Davide Somma suspended. Goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel and centre-back Alex Bruce are set for debuts following moves from Notts County and Ipswich.

Derby are without Shaun Barker (knee), fellow defender Miles Addison (foot), midfielder Stephen Pearson (knee) and forward Steve Davies (knee) but summer signings James Bailey, John Brayford, Gareth Roberts and Tomasz Cywka are in contention to make their debuts.