Whites chief hails his cup stars

Gary McAllister claims his Leeds side's emphatic 4-0 Carling Cup win against Crystal Palace shows the strength in depth at Elland Road.

Jonathan Douglas, Jermaine Beckford, Luciano Becchio and Enoch Showumni were all on the scoresheet against Neil Warnock's Championship side in Tuesday's second round encounter as McAllister made eight changes to the team which drew 1-1 at Yeovil on Saturday.

"I like the way that we got some rhythm and fluency to our play," McAllister said. "The clean sheet was a good confidence booster for the whole club. We've scored nine goals and we're looking to play with flair and rhythm.

"The two performances against Oldham and Yeovil were not quite up to the standard we're trying to set here. I always had it in mind to make a few changes and play a slightly different formation.

"As much as there was no panic after the last two performances, I'm not going to go overboard with this, as it is still very early in the season and people are trying to find their form."

He added: "I'm asking people to step up to the plate and when they get their chance to go and take it. I've got to say that from one to 11 tonight they all performed.

"It shows that we have a very strong squad of players here and competition brings out the quality in people.

"I thought Luciano led the line fantastically, and that some of the combinations in the middle of the park and some of the movement in the final third was excellent.

"We've got an important run of games here at Elland Road home now and we're looking to come out of it with no defeats.

"It shows that we have a very strong squad of players and the competition brings out the best in people."