The full back has missed five games with an elbow injury and played a crucial part in the 3-0 victory, clearing a goalbound Harry Kewell effort off the line.
"I had been out for five games and the team has done very well in that time, particularly the defence," he told the Evening Chronicle.
"Before my injury I'd enjoyed a decent run in the team. But when I was out, Aaron Hughes moved to right-back and played consistently and Olivier got back into the side and did well, so it was hard to get back in.
"But one player's misfortune is another's gain. Olivier picked up a suspension and I relished the opportunity to get back in.
"I was very happy with my personal performance against Leeds and hope I have given myself a better chance of selection for Wednesday.
"We have got a lot of good defenders at this club and that's a good headache for the manager."