Grayson heaps praise on McCarthy

Alex McCarthy: Young goalkeeper has earned the praise of Leeds boss Simon Grayson

Leeds United manager Simon Grayson has tipped goalkeeper Alex McCarthy for the top following his 89th-minute penalty save against Watford in the Championship on Saturday.

Watford were already leading 1-0 at Vicarage Road through Michael Kightly's strike when Marvin Sordell stepped up to take his spot-kick with one minute of normal time remaining, but on-loan Reading custodian McCarthy tipped his effort on to the post.

The former England Under-21 goalkeeper, whose loan ended on Saturday evening, then denied Mark Yeates before Leeds were awarded a penalty with the three minutes of injury-time already up.

Robert Snodgrass stepped up to secure a point for the visitors, as the game ended in a 1-1 draw.

Turning point

"We probably didn't deserve the point if you look at our performance," said Grayson.

"The big turning point was the penalty save and it gave us a chance to get something out of the game and it is great that the players had the determination to go until the end.

"Alex's loan finished today and I spoke to (Reading manager) Brian McDermott on Friday about his performances and we said we would talk after the weekend.

"I am not saying we will re-sign him, that is down to Reading and also what we decide to do as well.

"What I will say is that he has been outstanding for us and we are thankful to Reading for letting him come and he has shown all the potential and promise that he will be a top goalkeeper in the future."

Not robbed

Meanwhile, Watford boss Sean Dyche refused to blame referee Eddie Ilderton for the penalty decision against his side.

Leeds substitute Mika Vayrynen went down in the box under a challenge from Nyron Nosworthy in the dying seconds and Snodgrass snatched an equaliser.

"I don't feel robbed because that is the reality of football; it can spin on a knife edge," explained Dyche.

"One tiny moment and a refereeing decision changed the feel of it but the performance was good from us throughout and I am disappointed not to take all three points.

"I thought it was a soft penalty, and I have seen it again, but referees have a very tough job.

"Obviously you are always disappointed if those key decisions do not go your way but that is all it is, people can decide themselves. You have seen them given and you have seen them not given."