Grayson:McCormack and O'Brien Going Nowhere

Simon Grayson claimed today that he was unaware of interest from Wolverhampton Wanderers in Ross McCormack and categorically dismissed the possibility of Leeds United loaning Andy O’Brien to West Ham United.Grayson said he had received no contact from Wolves about McCormack’s situation amid strong suggestions that the Scotland international is on the Premier League club’s list of January targets.The United manager also ruled out any chance of West Ham securing a temporary deal with centre-back O’Brien by stating that the defender would be present at Elland Road after the Football League’s emergency loan deadline passes next week.McCormack’s reputation has grown after nine league goals in the first two months of the season established him as the Championship’s top scorer.Grayson said: “He’s one of the best goalscorers in the Championship.“He’s not been scoring in the last couple of games but his all-round game’s been good. He’s only a goal or two away from starting another run like he did at the start of the season.”O’Brien, meanwhile, is back in the fold at Elland Road after a long spell out of favour and Grayson said: “I won’t be letting him out on loan. There are certain players who’ll be available on loan but Andy won’t be one of them.”

Grayson Peps up Snodgrass

Robert Snodgrass is enjoying a new lease of life after a career-boosting chat with Leeds boss Simon Grayson.The former Livingston winger fell so far ­below the high standards he had set since moving south of the border that Grayson gave him some advice ­after Leeds’ 3-0 Carling Cup ­defeat against ­Manchester ­United last month.Some fans were convinced that talk of a possible move into the Premier League in the summer had unsettled the man ­renowned for making asses of full-backs and laying on a procession of crosses for the club’s strikers.While Max Gradel was sold to St Etienne for an undisclosed fee, Leeds rejected a ­£3.5million offer from Norwich for ­Snodgrass, who remained at ­Elland Road where he looked a shadow of his former self in the early weeks of the season.Now the tricky Scotland ­international faces Leeds’ bogey side Cardiff with ­Grayson drooling over the winger’s improvement.The Leeds boss said: “I had a chat with him after the ­Manchester United game and I didn’t hold back.“I told him, ‘You are more concerned with what is happening all over the pitch instead of concentrating on what you need to do. Affect the game and everyone else will ­concentrate on doing the jobs they are supposed to be doing’.Snod cares passionately about the game, the team and how we can get good results – but maybe that was affecting his own ­performances on the pitch.“Since the Manchester United game he has been an absolute joy.“His work-rate, closing down and quality of delivery have been ­unbelievable recently.“Players are not daft. They realise when things are not going for them, but Snod has analysed his game and wants to get better and better.”Snodgrass, 24, scored seven goals last season when Leeds finished seventh, missing out on a play-off place by just three points.
But his only strike so far this time came back in August in a 4-1 ­trouncing of Yorkshire rivals Hull City.
He will be especially keen to put that right against Cardiff, who haven’t lost at Elland Road for 28 years and thrashed Leeds 4-0 in the ­corresponding game last term.Also looking to hit the target is top scorer Ross McCormack, who grabbed 25 goals in 75 league games for the Welshmen before joining Leeds in ­August last year.

McCormack has ten goals to his name in all competitions this season but ­after a purple patch of nine in eight league games, the hitman has drawn a blank in his last three ­outings for Grayson’s side.

McCormack up For Award

Ross McCormack’s free-scoring start to the season for Leeds United has seen him nominated for the npower Championship player of the month for September.The striker has bagged eight goals in nine league appearances for the Whites and is currently joint top-scorer with Southampton’s Rickie Lambert.McCormack is nominated for the award – set to be announced today – alongside Matthew Bates, from Middles-brough, Lambert, and Derby County’s Jason Shackell.Meanwhile, Leeds boss Simon Grayson is glad to have this weekend off due to the international break.He said: “We have a big run of fixtures in the next month or so with Saturdays, Tues-days and Wednesdays, so it won’t do us any harm to give us a breather and take stock of the situation.”

McCormack wants Leeds improvements

Ross McCormack says Leeds United players must take collective responsibility for their defensive failings - and insists it’s not just the back four who are to blame.United’s rearguard have come under renewed fire following the second-half implosion in the 3-3 televised Championship draw at Brighton & Hove Albion last Friday, when the visitors frittered away a comfortable 2-0 interval lead to leave themselves still searching for their first league away win this term.But Championship top-scorer McCormack, who saved United’s skins with a stoppage-time leveller at the Amex Stadium, says stupid schoolboy errors across the pitch was the reason for their downfall on the south coast and feels it is wrong to single out the defence.He said: “It was just stupidity. Everyone is going to point the finger at the defence, but it started before that.“The first two goals started from throw-ins and it was just schoolboy, suicidal stuff.“Brighton are up there for a reason and have good players and good strikers who score goals and they showed that. But we were massively disappointed after being in total charge at half-time.“At 2-0 up, we were cruising in the first half and never looked like conceding...We just capitulated really.”Confident United can be right up at the business end of the table if they iron out their well-chronicled defensive deficiencies, the super Scot added: “We’re scoring two or three goals in games at times and have got to keep that going. I think last season, we were the top (league) scorers - if not, certainly near the top. We were right up there.

“This season, we’ll do it again. It’s just the basics we’re not doing right.

“I’d say our league position is disappointing, but overall it’s probably what we deserve. If we can improve (our defending), we’ve got a chance.”

McCormack’s brace at Albion took his seasonal tally to within one of the double-figure mark, with the forward having netted in six successive Championship matches for United.

All told, the Glaswegian goal-getter has struck 11 times in his last 13 appearances in all competitions and is in the form of his life.

But the red-hot frontman admits he’d have gladly swapped his double at Brighton for victory, while revealing he is not yet totally happy with all aspects of his game, with the 25-year-old his own harshest critic.

He added: “I’m pleased with my form, but I’d have rather not scored (at Brighton) and we come away with three points. I’d have been more happy with that.

“But on a personal note, the season is going well for me. In pre-season, everyone was on at me saying: ‘Well, he’s missed two penalties’ and saying he’s done this and that. I never score in pre-season and the gaffer knew that as well.

“Pre-season is about getting fit and I got fit and I’ve started the season well and I’ve just got to keep it going. I feel confident and that’s a big thing.

“The first goal was a good hit and with the second, Jonny (Howson) did brilliantly and I was happy with that.

“But I wouldn’t say I feel at the top of my game yet. In terms of the basics, the ball is coming up, I’m taking a touch and turning and giving it away stupidly (sometimes). But that will come and I’ve no problems with that at the minute.”

Loan players Andy Keogh and Darren O’Dea have been named by Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trappatoni in his 27-man squad to face Andorra on October 7 and Armenia on October 11 in the Euro 2012 qualifiers.

Meanwhile, United have received an extra 1,000 tickets ahead of the derby clash at Doncaster Rovers on Friday, October 14 (8pm) - taking their overall allocation up to 4,200.

Match Report: Leeds 2 Bristol City 1

Simon Grayson welcomed back Adam Clayton and Aidy White to his starting line-up as his side went in search of back to back league wins for the first time this season. The visiting side included former Leeds midfielder Neil Kilkenny, making his return to Elland Road following his summer switch to Bristol City.And it was a perfect start to the game for Leeds with the returning Clayton scoring with a terrific left foot strike inside four minutes. Robert Snodgrass, who had looked very lively during the opening moments, was the architect and Clayton converted his pull-back with a good finish.Leeds threatened again moments later, but Andy Keogh was crowded out, and in reply Marvin Elliott put a header wide for the home side.But Bristol City were on the back foot again when Ramon Nunez instigated a break from midfield to feed Keogh, but the striker was denied by David James.It was 1-1 on 11 minutes, though, courtesy of none other than Kilkenny, who scored from the edge of the box with a shot that clipped the bar.United immediately fashioned out another chance, but an offside flag was raised, and it was a frenetic opening to proceedings at Elland Road.
Nunez also lifted a shot over the top from distance after trying his luck in the middle of the park. Ross McCormack was next to go close when Cole Skuse did well to get a foot on his shot to turn it for a corner. From the set-play, Darren O'Dea forced a save out of James.It was an open game and Andy Lonergan had to be alert to deal with a backpass from Darren O'Dea as Albert Adomah looked to cash in.Leeds looked to finish the half, strongly, though and Bristol City had some defending to do under a little pressure.United also had the first effort of the second half when McCormack screwed a shot wide. Moments later, Snodgrass lifted an effort over the bar after some good build-play.On 58 minutes, Grayson made his first change of the game, introducing Luciano Becchio in place of Nunez. Becchio arrived at the same point against Crystal Palace last weekend and made a decisive impact on the game.But there was drama on 64 minutes when Paddy Kisnorbo was adjudged to have fouled Nicky Maynard and a penalty was awarded. The challenge appeared to be on the edge of the area, but Kisnorbo was ordered off and the spot-kick was awarded.
Lonergan again proved his worth to Leeds though by making a good save to deny Maynard from 12 yards.
Following the dismissal, which will see Kisnorbo miss Tuesday's game against Man United, Grayson sacrificed Keogh in the front-line to bolster his defence with Leigh Bromby joining the fray. And he followed that by introducing Mikael Forssell in place of Snodgrass.The visitors were looking to make the extra man count and United had some defending to do in terms of balls being played into the box.
And just as another frustrating afternoon looked to be on the cards, United grabbed a late goal. Becchio got on the end of a ball into the box and McCormack was on hand to stab the ball over the line to make it 2-1 to Leeds.As the game headed into stopage time it took a decisive clearance from Tom Lees to deal with one cross and it was clear United were going to have to dig deep to secure the win.

Match Report Leeds 3 Crystal Palace 2

Ross McCormack scored a brace as Leeds came from behind to secure a welcome win over Crystal Palace.
The hosts took the lead when McCormack headed Charlie Taylor's cross into the far corner on eight minutes.
Palace hit back, Paddy McCarthy netting from close range before Sean Scannell turned in Jermaine Easter's centre.Leeds were not to be denied, with the returning Luciano Becchio heading home before McCormack took Mikael Forssell's pass and fired in the winner.The win takes Leeds up to 12th in the table following their stuttering start to the season.And it also takes some of the focus away from the off-field unrest about a perceived lack of investment from outspoken owner Ken Bates that has overshadowed the club's start to season.It was no less than Leeds deserved from an open encounter.McCormack was a danger throughout, kick-starting the scoring with a header before hitting the post on the follow-up later in the game after Julian Speroni had flapped at Ramon Nunez's free-kick.That came after Palace's equaliser, though, McCarthy in the right place to convert from Mile Jedinak's cross.Even when Scannell gave Palace the lead, Leeds looked a threat and the introduction of Becchio - back after a five-month injury lay-off - proved the catalyst.The Argentine headed in McCormack's free-kick, awarded after another Zaha foul on Taylor, with 22 minutes remaining.

And, with momentum driving them on, Leeds went on to win it when McCormack collected Forssell's pass, turned and found the net six minutes from time.

Leeds 3 Newcastle 2

Simon Grayson handed home debuts to Andy Lonergan and Michael Brown for his side's final warm-up game of pre-season. Andy O'Brien made his first start of the summer and Robert Snodgrass returned from injury for the visit of Newcastle. Trialists Alex Mendy and Boldizsar Bodor were also named among the substitutes.Leeds started the game on the front foot and were in front inside five minutes, courtesy of Paddy Kisnorbo. Snodgrass swung in a free-kick with his left foot and Newcastle goalkeeper Fraser Forster failed to make a clean catch, spilling the ball to Kisnorbo, who celebrated his first Elland Road appearance since March 2010 with the simplest of tap-ins.Moments later, Ross McCormack cashed in on another mistake, this time from Steve Taylor, but his cross was just too deep for an advancing Jonny Howson. It was certainly a positive start from Leeds, and Newcastle were being put under some real pressure.
The United goalscorer was soon in the thick of the action at the other. O'Brien made a great challenge to deny Demba Ba, and as the Newcastle striker got to his feet quickly, with only Lonergan to beat, Kisnorbo came crashing in to win the ball for Leeds.
And United were only denied a second goal on 14 minutes when Max Gradel headed home a free-kick but was deemed to be in an offside position.

On 20 minutes, Joey Barton created a good chance for Newcastle when he held off Kisnorbo, but Ba couldn't get the decisive touch on his cross.
But it was Leeds who threatened again the half-hour and Forster had to be alert to tip a Gradel shot over the bar after more good play by United.
Moments later, Newcastle were level, though. Taylor converted a corner kick at the far post leaving the United players appealing for a foul on Michael Brown.
As the game edged towards half-time, there was a short stoppage while Gradel received treatment to his thigh after being caught by a lunge from Yohan Cabaye. Leeds also had what appeared to be a good penalty shout for a handball in the moments leading up to the break, but after hesistating, the referee waved played on.
Despite Newcastle pulling a goal back, the United manager will have been pleased with the first half display from his players, and there was an opening at the start of the second period when Howson made an advancing run before shooting just wide.

Brown also had an early shot at Forster when he tried his luck from distance before Howson again threatened and had a shot deflected for a corner.
The majority were almost celebrating moments later when substitute Leigh Bromby almost converted a good cross from Adam Clayton.
Grayson made a flurry of changes during the second half, and it was one of those, Lloyd Sam, who restored the lead on 67 minutes. The former Charlton winger won the ball on the by-line and scored from the tightest of angles to make it 2-1.
And Sam almost created a third with United's very next attack - but his low pull-back was just too powerful for Ramon Nunez to get a touch on.
At the other end, Lonergan was called upon to make a good save to deny Joey Barton as Newcastle created a rare chance. They did so again 76 on minutes, and Lonergan was beaten by a powerful strike from Haris Vuckic after a pull-back from the by-line.
Parity lasted barely 85 minutes, though. and Elland Road erupted when Billy Paynter was the man who got up at the far post to convert a cross from the right.
It Paynter's first Elland Road goal and his first of pre-season, and it was enough to secure victory in the final pre-season game.

Nunez on Target Again As Leeds Remain Unbeaten

Leeds maintained their unbeaten run in pre season with a draw in Norway against Sandefjord.The game finished 1-1 after both sides scored inside the final five minutes.Sandefjord took the lead only for Nunez to equalise with a long-range effort.Simon Grayson named just a seventeen-man squad with trialist Alexandre Mendy again in the starting line up.There was no place in the squad for fellow trialist Boldiszar Bodor who played at Sheffield Wednesday who was supposed to be making the trip.Ross McCormack had Leeds first effort on goal but his shot went wide of the post.McCormack should have opened the scoring after he was fouled inside the box.The striker stepped up and fired his penalty kick wide of the post, his second miss from the spot in pre season.Mendy had the final chance of the first half but headed over.Ramon Nunez was the first substitution of the evening replacing Michael Brown ten minutes into the second half.Nunez quickly made an impact seeing a shot go just wide of the post.Adam Clayton had a decent effort tipped over the bar as Leeds controlled the game.Tom Lees had a great chance from a corner when he sent a header over the bar when free inside the area.Max Gradel replaced Ross McCormack inside the final five minutes and he was quickly involved, firing a shot over the crossbar.The home side scored in the final minutes of the game when Stokke fired in from close range.Leeds still had time to find an equaliser when Nunez fired home from distance with the assistance of a deflection.

It was to prove the final meaningful action of the game as Leeds maintained their unbeaten pre season.

Leeds now prepare for their final pre season game of the summer when they entertain Newcastle on Sunday.

Motherwell 1 Leeds United 2

Having beaten Falkirk in midweek, United manager Simon Grayson was again looking to utilise his full squad for the game against SPL side Motherwell.And it was Leeds who created the first opening of the game when Lloyd Sam sent over a cross which Billy Paynter puled back across goal inside the first minute.It was a lively opening to the game and Paul Rachubka was also called into action inside the opening five minutes to make a decent save at the near post after good build-up play by the home side.Motherwell midfielder Keith Lasley received a stern talking to early in the game following an altercation that was ended by an intervening Paddy Kisnorbo.Leeds were backed by a terrific away following at Fir Park, too, giving some atmosphere to the game.Michael Brown and Adam Clayton were the sitting central midfielders for United with Jonny Howson being given licence to play in an advanced role.And Clayton was the instigator of what appeared to be the opening goal. The youngster whipped in a cross from the left and Paynter poked the ball home from close range - but the effort was ruled out by an offside flag.
Moments later, Motherwell mounted a raid down their left and Steven Hammell smashed a shot against the post after cutting in at an angle.
As the half wore on the rain started to fall, making the pitch greasy, and two Motherwell defenders may have struggled a little when they combined to send Sam sprawling on 34 minutes to win a penalty for United.
Ross McCormack, Scotland international and one-timer Motherwell favourite, stepped up to take the spot-kick, but his effort was saved by Darren Randolph, who dived low to his left.
Motherwell had an opportunity themselves after Kisnorbo was somewhat harshly penalised on the edge of the box, but the resultant free-kick was over the head of Paul Rachubka and over the bar.
The hosts did get their noses in front on 39 minutes, though, when Chris Humphrey found space on the right and his low cross was converted by Jamie Murphy who slid the ball home at the far post.
Just over 60 seconds later, McCormack had the ball in the net at the other end after good work by Sam, but the whistle had already gone for an infringement.
And shortly before half-time, Aidy White embarked on a run that saw him carry the ball a full 50 yards before his pull-back cross was cleared over his own bar by Motherwell defender Shaun Hutchinson.
Grayson made four changes at half-time with Alex Bruce, Ben Parker, Max Gradel and Rob Snodgrass all being handed run-outs. The rain also returned with vengance at the start of the second period as the game kicked off in a torrential downpour.
The home side started brightly and after Paul Connolly cut out one cross, Alex Bruce headed away a corner from underneath his own bar.
But Bruce was involved at the other end moments later when he had a header turned over the bar after McCormack saw a shot turned wide.
Snodgrass was also denied with a header, following a good cross from Gradel after Paynter had charged down a poor clearance.
Gradel threatened again on 60 minutes when he had a shot deflected to Randolph in the Motherwell goal, but the home side came storming back up the park and Rachubka showed good command of his box by coming out to punch the ball clear.
Zac Thompson was next to be denied after a move he started and finished. He released McCormack with a good ball and collected the return before being denied by Randolph. Thye Motherwell goalkeeper also pushed the resultant corner over the top under pressure from Snodgrass.
But the next corner proved decisive as Randolph failed to collect and Bruce was on hand to convert from close range to make it 1-1.
Motherwell responded when Rachubka had to save a Michael Higdon header and on the break Thompson saw a shot deflected wide for United. The hosts again failed to deal with the set-play and Randolph had tol be alert to make an instinctive block to deny Bruce once again.
Moments later, United were in front, though, courtesy of a stunning solo effort from Ramon Nunez. The Honduran showed great skill to weave his way through on goal before working an opening for himself to slip the ball home to make it 2-1.
Having surrendered leads like this last season, Grayson was looking for his troops to close the game out and both Rachubka and Parker made good clearances when Motherwell came forward.
Gradel almost created a third, but was denied by a good challenge when McCormack was waiting in the middle, while at the other end substitute goalkeeper Alex Cairns warmed his hands by collecting a free-kick, curled in from just outside of the area. Cairns also made another decent save late on.
And that proved to be the last real action of what was another impressive pre-season outfit as United ended the week in Scotland by recording a second successive victory north of the border.

Falkirk 0 Leeds 2

United manager Simon Grayson used the majority of his squad for the opening game of the summer, Davide Somma, Andy O'Brien, Luciano Becchio, and Fede Bessone missing through injury.The boss planned to play almost two seperate XIs, and his first half side included summer signings Michael Brown and Paul Rachubka, along with Paddy Kisnorbo and the returning Ben Parker.The opening exchanges saw United play some decent football against the Scottish first division outfit and there were useful touches by the likes of Ramon Nunez and Lloyd Sam.In typical pre-season fashion, there were no real chances early doors although United goalkeeper Paul Rachubka did get down well to stop a Kallum Higginbotham effort inside the opening 15 minutes.United did come close on 25 minutes when Robert Snodgrass curled a free-kick into the side-netting and moments later Billy Paynter shot just wide after great work by Nunez.The lively Sam also went close when he saw his shot turned for a corner, but Leeds did go ahead on 36 minutes when a Nunez cross was turned in by Falkirk defender Thomas Scobbie.All in all it was a useful 45 minutes against a side who looked like quite lively, and as predicted Grayson made a number of changes at half-time, although not the predicted wholesale re-shuffle.There were six changes with Alex Bruce, Leigh Bromby, Aidy White, Jonny Howson, Max Gradel, and Ross McCormack were all introduced.United started the second half with some crisp passing, and it was 2-0 on 53 minutes when Aidy White fed Lloyd Sam who crossed for Snodgrass to head home from close range.Snodgrass almost repaid that favour moments later when his cross from deep found Sam, but the Falkirk keeper was equal to the header.Grayson made another raft of changes on 63 minutes and almost immediately United were denied a third goal by a goal-line clearance after McCormack swung the ball into the middle.The changes prompted a mass re-shuffle that saw Zac Thompson and Nathan Turner in the middle of the park, Lewis Turner at right-back, White moved to the right side of the midfield, and Tom Lees returned to the fray at left-back.The final 20 minutes or so saw the fluency disappear slowly with both sides have made so many changes, but Leeds still had some decent possession at times and showed good movement.With around six minutes left on the clock, Gradel was withdrawn after taking a knock and United headed into the final moments with just 10 men on the field.In the final minute, Falkirk did have a couple of opportunites when Higginbotham came within inches with a strike from distance before Scobbie headed into the arms of Cairns.
And that proved to be the final action as United picked up a 2-0 win to kick-off pre-season.

QPR 1 Leeds United 2

Leeds United gatecrashed the Loftus Road promotion party - but QPR were finally able to celebrate their promotion to the Barclays Premier League this afternoon.

Neil Warnock’s team got their hands on the npower Championship trophy, a week after they clinched it, following the Football Association’s announcement that they would not be docked points over the Alejandro Faurlin affair.

The club were found guilty of two of the seven charges facing them surrounding the alleged third-party ownership of the Argentine midfielder.

But fears of potential 15-point penalty were not realised, leaving the way clear for a belated promotion party which could not even be spoiled by a final-day defeat against Leeds.

The FA have been heavily criticised for not hearing the case until the final week of the season and then delaying the verdict, leaving the club sweating on the outcome long after they had secured promotion.

Yet somehow, their timing was impeccable as an hour before kick-off, the news from Wembley filtered through and suddenly Loftus Road was rocking.

It is not often a club with a recent history as calamitous at that of Leeds becomes merely a sideshow - after all, they know a thing or two about having points deducted themselves.

The Yorkshire side had in fact travelled south still harbouring slim hopes of a play-off place.

That looked even more unlikely after just 27 seconds, however, as a QPR team no longer playing under a cloud cut through their defence straight from the first whistle.

Akos Buzsaky burst forward and played in Tommy Smith, whose shot was saved by Kasper Schmeichel but fell to the feet of Heidar Helguson for a simple tap-in.

Faurlin, who has admirably gone on to play a pivotal role in Rangers’ promotion despite the furore surrounding him, almost made headlines for the right reasons with a fierce 20-yard drive but Schmeichel palmed his effort away.

Even referee Mark Clattenburg looked like he was in no mood to spoil the party, turning a blind eye when last-man Matt Connolly tripped Billy Paynter with the striker about to charge through on goal.

But after 38 minutes Leeds found an equaliser when Max Gradel beat home goalkeeper Radek Cerny to a hopeful long ball and dinked it into the net.

Rangers skipper Adel Taarabt was a conspicuous absentee from the starting line-up, but the mercurial midfielder made his entrance to huge acclaim 10 minutes into the second half.

Schmeichel then pulled off a fine save to keep out a Smith header on the hour mark.

But Leeds edged in front in the 68th minute when Ross McCormack’s shot deflected off Kaspars Gorkss and left Cerny wrong-footed as it floated into the net.

McCormack also shaved a post while Rangers went closest to an equaliser when Smith was once again denied by Schmeichel.

Warnock’s response was to throw centre-half and cult hero Danny Shittu into the attack.

It was a tactic unlikely to reap too many rewards in the Premier League next year, but at least they will be there.

Leeds 1 - 0 Burnley:Match Report

Leeds kept their Championship play-off hopes alive with a victory over Burnley, whose own chances of a top-six finish were damaged as a result.United led at half-time thanks to Ross McCormack's neat finish - his first for the club since joining in the summer.Brian Jensen produced a string of saves to deny Leeds, who also hit the post through McCormack in the second half.Jack Cork fired a shot wide and Ross Wallace saw a free-kick saved, but the home side held on for a deserved win.The win completes the double for Leeds over Burnley, but more importantly keeps them in the hunt for the final play-off spot.The Yorkshire side are now level on points with sixth-placed Nottingham Forest - who host Scunthorpe later on Saturday - ahead of the final day of the season, which sees United travel to league-leaders QPR.Burnley remain in the play-off picture, but trail Forest by two points and must now beat high-flying Cardiff in their final game and hope other results go in their favour.Leeds persisted with Billy Paynter in the absence of leading scorer Luciano Becchio, even though the striker has failed to offer as potent a goalscoring threat as the Argentine in recent weeks, and the big front man was involved early, firing a half-volley narrowly wide of goal as Leeds had the best of the opening exchanges.Having weathered the early storm, Burnley fashioned a great chance at the other end when Michael Duff ghosted behind the defence to latch on to a Chris Iwelumo flick-on from a free-kick, but home keeper Kasper Schmeichel blocked with his head.In order to assist Paynter, Leeds boss Simon Grayson gave McCormack his first start since January, and the Scot linked up well with his strike partner midway through the half, crossing for the former Swindon man to draw a scrambling save from Brian Jensen with a header.

This was a rare start for McCormack, but he demonstrated no rustiness in the 33rd minute when he latched onto a superb Bradley Johnson through ball and swept in past Jensen for his first goal since moving to Yorkshire from Cardiff eight months ago.

Having taken 10 points from their previous four games, Burnley were a side in form, and they almost hit back immediately when centre-back Andre Bikey flashed a header wide from Daniel Fox's inswinging corner.

Paynter had two great chances in the space of a minute early in the second half to extend Leeds's lead, but he headed the first, from a McCormack cross, straight at Jensen and put the second wide from a tight angle after taking the ball past the Burnley keeper.

Leeds kept coming and saw two other goalbound efforts denied by Jensen shortly after.

McCormack's free-kick from the right was met with power by Andy O'Brien six yards out, but his downward header was straight at the keeper and he was able to parry it away.

Then, seconds later, McCormack swivelled in the box and shot at goal but his bobbling effort was tipped onto the post and wide by the Dane.

Burnley were not out of the game though and Cork served warning of this when he fired a superb 30-yard effort just wide of the top corner of Schmeichel's goal.

The Leeds keeper had to be alert to tip a free-kick from substitute Wallace over the bar soon after, while at the other end Jensen produced further saves to deny McCormack and Jonny Howson.

Leeds substitute Sanchez Watt could have wrapped up the game on a couple of occasions with late efforts, but as it transpired one goal was enough for the home side.

McCormack prepared to battle for a place

Ross McCormack admitted today that he was in a worse position at Leeds United than he had been at Cardiff City – but claimed he still had time to make a success of his move to Elland Road.

The striker expressed frustration over a career in Leeds which he said was “still to get going” but revealed he had turned down a number of chances to leave the club on loan in order to fight for selection.

McCormack has not appeared in any of the squads chosen by Simon Grayson for United’s last three games but the club’s manager is contemplating his recall this weekend following McCormack’s resurgence in the reserves and the three-match suspension imposed on Billy Paynter earlier this month.

Grayson made one of the biggest investments of his tenure at Elland Road when he signed McCormack from Cardiff in August but, seven months on, the forward’s starts number four and his appearances 16. He has not scored for Leeds or played at all since their win at Bristol City on February 12.
Paynter, however, will begin his ban during Saturday’s Championship fixtures against Nottingham Forest, creating space on a bench which has recently offered no room for McCormack. Grayson signed Jake Livermore from Tottenham Hotspur on the last day of the emergency loan window.

It is a deal which could fill out United’s quota of substitutes once more, but seven goals in five reserve matches have revitalised McCormack’s prospects with eight games of the season remaining.

“I played 80 times in two years at Cardiff and I came here because I felt I wasn’t playing often enough,” McCormack said.

“In a way, I’m in a worse situation at Leeds because I’m not really playing at all but I’ve still got time to change that and I’m looking for a chance.

“I’ve had a few opportunities to go out on loan, in January and a couple of weeks ago, but it wasn’t what I wanted to do.

“This is where I want to be playing and, as a Scottish international and someone who’s seen a couple of Championship run-ins before, I think I can offer the team some decent experience.

“The move hasn’t gone as I imagined it would and I’m still to get going here. But the assistant manager (Leeds coach Ian Miller) was saying to me the other day that I look sharp and I seem as if I’ve got the bit between my teeth. That’s how I feel.”

That attitude had shone through in McCormack’s run of appearances for the club’s second string, for whom he is their leading scorer.

The forward missed a penalty in Tuesday’s 1-0 defeat to Middlesbrough – a result which might see Leeds relinquish the totesport.com League East Division title – but his finishing touch was in evidence earlier this month, culminating in four goals scored in a 6-0 rout of Hartlepool United.

The 24-year-old’s problem was the consistency of Grayson’s squad selection and the sheer number of players attempting to earn their manager’s approval.

Paul Connolly and Lloyd Sam were similarly unable to ensure their inclusion against Sheffield United on March 19 and Grayson is in possession of more professionals than he can fit into a matchday pool of 18.

But Paynter’s suspension, incurred by him for an alleged headbutt on Sheffield United’s Shane Lowry, has created one vacancy ahead of the visit of Nottingham Forest to Elland Road.

Beyond Paynter’s ban, Grayson’s decisions might also be dictated by the condition of those players who have been involved in international games since Leeds’ 2-0 defeat at Bramall Lane. McCormack said: “Billy’s out but that doesn’t mean I’ll automatically come in. The manager’s got other players to consider and he’s signed Jake Livermore so it’s not a foregone conclusion that I’ll be involved (against Forest). But I’m not just looking to get onto the bench. I really want to be starting games.

“I’ve done what I can to make myself noticed and all you can do in the reserves is score goals and help the team win games. The missed penalty was one of those things and it’s not the end of the world.

“We’d been practising penalties on Monday and I’ve got a thing about taking penalties in training. For whatever reason, I don’t like doing it. It sounds daft but, because of that, I knew I was going to miss (against Middlesbrough).

“But in the last couple of games I’ve been scoring goals and putting away my chances. I’d be confident of doing the same for the first team if I get the call.”

McCormack’s peripheral status at Elland Road created much interest in him in the run-up to the closure of the emergency loan window. Derby County made an attempt to take him to Pride Park and Scunthorpe United were similarly keen on signing McCormack in the short term.

Grayson had previously declared his intention to retain the Scot and was never likely to change his mind once Leeds ruled out an appeal against Paynter’s red card. Paynter was preparing to attend a club function in the Norwegian capital of Oslo while McCormack turned out against Boro, demonstrating his fitness and a willing attitude in a game of few chances. The early stages of McCormack’s time at Elland Road were affected by a minor injury but he has been available since October and said his absence could no longer be attributed to that problem.

“I’ve been fit for a long time,” he said. “I hear talk about how I’ve been struggling with injuries but I haven’t been injured since October.

“We’re almost in April now so to use that as a reason for me being out the team doesn’t really stand up.

“I’m well aware that a lot of other players have been in great form but I hope I’ve given myself a bit of a look-in.

“The best time to be involved is at this end of the season, when results really matter.

“I don’t know what’s in store for me but I want to play a part.”

Redfearn: McCormack will be Leeds United hit

Ross McCormack has sent manager Simon Grayson a message – don’t worry about Billy Paynter’s suspension, I’m ready to go.

Striker Paynter picked up a three-match ban after being sent off in Leeds’ 2-0 defeat by Sheffield United at the weekend but, if McCormack has his way, Paynter could be kicking his heels much longer.

The Scot fired home four goals in the reserves’ 6-0 demolition of Hartlepool and reserve boss Neil Redfearn admitted: “He was almost unplayable at times."

The 25-year-old striker has only made four first-team starts and 12 substitute appearances since joining Leeds from Cardiff last summer and has yet to score at that level.

But Redfearn is convinced that McCormack’s form against Hartlepool is no fluke.

“There have been times in the last three or four games when he’s been like that. It will give him confidence. He knows that if he goes back in the first team he’ll soon break his duck.”

Connolly on the way back

Paul Connolly put himself in contention for a first-team recall at Sheffield United with a 90-minute appearance for Leeds United’s second string last night.Connolly came through a second reserve appearance in the space of eight days to prove his fitness and stake a claim for a role in Saturday’s Yorkshire derby at Bramall Lane.
The right-back has not featured for United’s first team since pulling a hamstring in the club’s victory over Coventry City on February 5, but his comfortable outing in a 6-0 rout of Gateshead has given manager Simon Grayson the option of recalling him ahead of on-loan Aston Villa defender Eric Lichaj.Connolly featured at centre-back last night and was joined in United’s line-up by seven other senior players. Club captain Richard Naylor did not play at Elland Road despite being named in the original starting team.The weight of experience on the side of Leeds threatened to tell from an early stage, and goalkeeper Jonny Ball kept Gateshead in the game by blocking three attempts in quick succession from Ross McCormack, Ben Parker and Ramon Nunez.
Gateshead’s best chance fell to Gary Mulligan, whose glancing header found the safe hands of Shane Higgs, but the Blue Square Premier club fell behind in the 31st minute when Nathan Turner slipped in behind their defence and knocked a pass from Nunez under Ball’s body.Nunez removed any doubt about the outcome by striking in the 63rd minute, his fifth goal in two reserve games, and McCormack and Sanchez Watt rounded off the scoreline with two classy finishes apiece in the final 20 minutes