McAllister eyes final step

Leeds boss hails 'fantastic' semi-final performance

Last updated: 15th May 2008

McAllister eyes final step

McAllister: Delighted with win

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Gary McAllister is confident Leeds are on the march back to the Championship following a dramatic League One play-off semi-final victory over Carlisle.

A brace from Jonny Howson, including a crucial last-gasp second, saw Leeds record the victory they required to overturn Monday's 2-1 first leg defeat at Elland Road.

And Leeds manager McAllister is now hopeful that the 2-0 victory at Brunton Park will boost his side, who were relegated from the Championship last season, ahead of their final meeting with either Doncaster or Southend at Wembley.

"It's great for the club," McAllister told Sky Sports 1. "We are on step away from getting back to the Championship and that is one step away from where the club should be.

Pressure

"We came here under pressure. We underperformed at Elland Road. People didn't enjoy it.

"I asked for a reaction and it was fantastic. The players were outstanding."

McAllister named an unchanged starting XI to the side which lost in the first leg and he was ecstatic at the way in which his players relished the opportunity to right their previous wrongs.

"I thought long and hard about changing," McAllister continued. "I could have made three or four changes from the other night.

Hero Howson

"But I went with the same guys and gave them a chance to prove everyone wrong."

McAllister also praised home-grown hero Howson after the 19-year-old proved the match winner.

"The game at Elland Road was probably one of the weakest we have seen (from Howson)," added McAllister. "I didn't think he was capable of playing so poorly.

"But I looked him in the eye yesterday and today and told him he was playing and to just get back to what you do, playing and competing."