NEAL TROTMAN can’t wait to get stuck into a West Yorkshire derby.

The on-loan Preston North End centre-back is set to make his eighth Town appearance in tomorrow’s big all-ticket lunchtime League I showdown with Leeds United which could attract 21,000-plus to the Galpharm (12.30).

The stakes are high as sixth-placed Town, fresh from three straight wins on the road and aiming to go 11 league games unbeaten for the first time since the 1994-95 promotion campaign, bid to close the gap on Leeds to six points.

Trotman has already had one tussle with the second-placed Whites this season, losing 1-0 at Elland Road in December, when he was on loan at Southampton, Town’s hosts next Tuesday.

His experience at St Mary’s, where the average attendance is 20,424, means he’s used to the big-match atmosphere.

Last season’s Galpharm derby was watched by 20,928, and Town expect that to be topped this time around.

Trotman, 22, said: “I think all the lads are looking forward to this one.

“I’ve played in a few Lancashire derbies for Oldham and Preston, and I suppose Oldham versus Huddersfield was a bit of a local contest, but this one really stands out. The other lads who have already been involved in one have told me what to expect, and to be fair, it’s always good to play at the Galpharm.

“With even more than normal in the ground, the place should be jumping, and these are the kind of games you want to play football for.”

Town haven’t been beaten in four Leeds derbies and are seeking a third consecutive home victory over their neighbours, having won 1-0 in both 2007-08, when Andy Holdsworth scored, and last season, when Nathan Clarke netted.

They are also defending League I’s last remaining unbeaten home record after Leeds lost 2-1 to Walsall earlier this month.

Town boss Lee Clark said: “It’s a massive game because there’s so much riding on it.

“Both sides are desperate for the points to boost promotion hopes and there’s also the pride of the fans and the club to think about.

“We need determination and desire, but also cool heads, because it’s all about controlled aggression.”

Clark has a fully-fit squad as he seeks to add to a derby record of a win and a draw as Town manager.

Leicestershire’s Kevin Friend, who has taken 10 Premier League matches this season, will be in charge tomorrow.

Town fans can buy tickets until 8.00 tonight, but they have to be on the club database through previous purchases.