The experienced defender has agreed a one-year deal after completing the first four weeks of the season with Leeds on non-contract terms. Telfer completed a short trial with United during the summer and linked up with the squad on a free transfer 24 hours before the start of the League One campaign, and a 12-month agreement was reached on the back of Telfer's convincing debut during Tuesday night's Carling Cup clash with Crystal Palace.

The former Celtic and Southampton man is Leeds' sixth permanent signing since the end of last season and may also be the final player to put pen to paper at Elland Road before the transfer window closes on Monday.

Telfer displayed his versatility by turning out in the centre of defence for Tuesday's 4-0 win over Palace, and his contract at Leeds is a welcome challenge for a 36-year-old who chose to terminate his deal at Bournemouth last season because of a chronic foot injury.

Leeds manager Gary McAllister said: "He brings us invaluable experience of the top level.

"I don't think he'll disagree with me when I say he went through his career without a great deal of success until he was given the chance to win trophies by signing for Celtic. But he proved he was up to it.

"Given the chance earlier in his career he might have picked up a few more trophies, but he showed he's got the mentality and ability to play at the highest level – and there's no higher level than having to perform in front of an expectant Celtic crowd.

"He's a player who's probably picked up a bit of (Celtic manager) Gordon Strachan, and I think a lot of us took a leaf out of Gordon's book to be honest. If you look after yourself and train properly, and as long as the fire's still in your belly, you can play up to the age where Paul is at the moment."

Confirmation of Telfer's new deal came 48 hours ahead of tomorrow's clash with Bristol Rovers at Elland Road, but McAllister is still not certain of having Alan Sheehan available.

Sheehan suffered a head injury at Yeovil last Saturday and missed the midweek victory over Crystal Palace with concussion, and Leeds are awaiting the results of a neurologist's assessment.

McAllister said: "Looking him in the eye, I know he wants to train and he wants to get out there, but he actually had a problem at Yeovil last year with a bit of concussion and he's got a bit of history as well.

"We've had a neurologist look at things and only when the doctor gives me the green light will he come back into consideration."

United's team on Tuesday night showed eight changes to the one held to a 1-1 draw by Yeovil and a rampant victory over Palace should ensure some of those involved in the midweek cup tie are included again this weekend.

Leeds are looking for their first league win since the opening day of the season against a Rovers side which claimed their biggest home victory for 18 years last Saturday and are likely to be bolstered by new signing Jo Kuffour.

McAllister said: "After naming the team on Tuesday and telling the players who had played at Yeovil they weren't going to start, I said I wanted to see everyone here on Thursday morning chomping at the bit.

"I've had that reaction, as you can imagine, and competition after a performance like that is fierce. It brings an edge, an edge you need in training, and it's a wonderful problem to have.

"But I can honestly say the most difficult thing will be naming the five on the bench."