Leeds United: Garry Monk dreaming big as Whites show him their true colours

A delighted Monk said his players had shown their “true colours” by surviving a dramatic period of extra-time and securing a place in the draw for the last eight.

United, who have reached this stage of the competition for the first time in four years, will learn their opponents when the draw is made after tonight’s remaining ties.

The club fought their way through an epic contest at Elland Road last night, overcoming an injury to Lewie Coyle that reduced them to 10 men to win 3-2 on penalties after the match finished level at 2-2 after 120 minutes.

Coyle was lost on 90 minutes with three substitutions made and Leeds fell behind for a second time when Norwich forward Nelson Oliveira scored, but Chris Wood’s equaliser set up a penalty shoot-out that goalkeeper Marco Silvestri settled with three saves.

Ronaldo Vieira’s winning spot-kick sparked wild celebrations in front of the Kop and Monk, who revealed that he could not bring himself to watch the penalties, said: “I’m immensely proud. It was incredible – an incredible atmosphere and unbelievable character from a very young group. They really deserved that.

“It was a proper English cup tie and it had everything. We came through adversity with real determination and some really good football.

“You saw it all tonight. You saw their true colours. Everyone who watched that group should be very proud of them. People can go home dreaming of a big cup tie in the next round. Football’s about going home with memories.

“You always have to go toe-to-toe. Even with a man less, it doesn’t matter. This was a true test of character and they were all heroes in the context of the game. I’d love to get another game here, against a really good Premier League side. Imagine this being a full house with this type of occasion.”