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LEEDS UNITED: Snodgrass: We're all to blame for lapses
Robert Snodgrass has leapt to the defence of Leeds United's porous backline in the wake of the club's frustrating exit from the Carling Cup.
The striker was central to one of United's strongest performances of the season against Derby County on Tuesday night, but his effort and that of his team-mates failed to rescue Leeds from a fourth-round defeat.
Derby scored twice in the first 18 minutes at Pride Park – both goals coming from poor marking by Gary McAllister's defenders – and weaknesses in United's backline have been his one concern in an otherwise promising season.
Leeds have produced a total of five clean sheets this term, with the club preparing for their 23rd game of the term against Huddersfield Town at Elland Road today, but Snodgrass argued that criticism of McAllister's back four was overlooking their contribution to Leeds' consistent league results.
Snodgrass said: "You can't really point the finger at the back four. They've bailed us out a few times this season with last-ditch tackles, and they've been pretty solid.
"You need to defend as a team and that starts from the top, but there's enough experience at the back with players like Paul Telfer and Frazer Richardson to bring the lads together.
"Jonathan Douglas can operate like a bit of fifth defender for us as well, and he's been quality. We've also got Steve Staunton (United's assistant manager) who knows all about how to play in defence so it will come good."
Telfer and Michalik were at the centre of McAllister's defence on Tuesday, as they have been for the past six matches, but United's manager has alternatives to consider with ex-Newcastle United trainee Paul Huntington fit after a groin injury and Rui Marques recovered from a hamstring strain.
Improving the consistency of his backline is a key priority for McAllister, but he also has positive selection issues in attack after Snodgrass' rise into United's first team.
The Scottish forward made an influential contribution to last week's 1-1 draw with Northampton Town in the first round of the FA Cup, and he was no less important at home against Championship opponents at Pride Park.
United's leading scorer, Jermaine Beckford, was named on the bench on Tuesday to accommodate Snodgrass and Luciano Becchio in Leeds' starting line-up against Derby, and McAllister feels his summer signing from Livingston has merited his chance in the first team.
McAllister said: "He didn't come here with great expectations (among United's supporters) because I don't think a lot of people in this part of the world knew who he was. But I think the move’s been great for him.
“The pressure has been put on him by me – I want him to show people what he’s about.
“In the early games this season I think the fans recognised that there is a player there, but he’s now getting the stamina and the physique to have a big run of games for us and to be a pivotal player.
“He can score a goal and make a goal and that’s what we’re asking of him.”
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Weather for Leeds
Sunday 12 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 0 C to 5 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: North west
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Sunny spells
Temperature: 4 C to 8 C
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