Blackburn Rovers have recorded a healthy 2-0 half-time advantage over Leeds United at Elland Road, courtesy of Jordan Rhodes and Rudy Gestede.

Rhodes, who ended the calendar year with more goals than Liverpool hitman Luis Suarez, picked up where he left off toward the end of 2013 by firing Rovers into a 1-0 lead.

The former Huddersfield Town marksman received a pass from teammate Tom Cairney, before firing past United goalkeeper Paddy Kenny on 13 minutes.

The visitors should have doubled their advantage midway through the opening half, as DJ Campbell - restored to the starting lineup for the first time since his arrest in a match-fixing investigation - saw his goalbound effort cleared off the line by defender Tom Lees.

Nevertheless, Gary Bowyer's men soon added to their one-goal lead. Gestede - also restored to the first XI - rose highest to meet Cairney's corner before thumping his header past the helpless Kenny to secure a healthy lead at the interval.