SOCCER/Premiership: Peter Reid is relishing the "great challenge" of steering Leeds United away from relegation trouble.

Leeds turned to Reid as caretaker manager for the remaining eight games of the season after parting company with Terry Venables yesterday.

And the former Sunderland manager is eager to begin Leeds' bid for survival, starting against Liverpool at Anfield tomorrow.

Reid told an Elland Road press conference: "I got a call early this morning. The Leeds chairman asked me to do a job. It's a great honour and a great challenge for me to take over.

"I snapped his (Leeds chairman Peter Ridsdale) hand off. We didn't even talk about money. I'm just looking forward to the challenge of being the manager for eight games and doing the best I can."

Ridsdale, describing how Reid came to be caretaker manager, said: "I am delighted that after a whirlwind morning Peter Reid is prepared to take on the challenge to make sure we get the points we need. We will then take stock for a further solution in the summer."

Leeds plan to appoint a permanent successor to Venables in the summer, but Reid had no hesitation in accepting the short-term task of keeping the Elland Road club in the Premiership. Leeds lie seven points above the drop zone after a dismal run of just one win from eight Premiership games.

They also face a difficult run-in to the season, with the Liverpool game followed by matches against Charlton (away), Tottenham (home), Southampton (away), Fulham (home), Blackburn (home), Arsenal (away), Aston Villa (home).

But Reid, who left Sunderland in October following a 3-1 defeat at Arsenal, is confident safety can be secured and the permanent manager will inherit a club in the top flight.