Thorn hails 'exceptional' McSheffrey

McSheffrey scored two penalties - the second in injury-time - to lift Coventry off the bottom of the table and boost their survival hopes.

McSheffrey put the Sky Blues in front from the penalty spot after 20 minutes after Alex Nimely was brought down in the area, but Ross McCormack took advantage of poor defending to draw Leeds deservedly level 11 minutes later.

Nimely's quick feet earned another penalty at the death and McSheffrey kept his cool to convert and seal a 2-1 win and Thorn was full of praise for the former Leeds loanee.

"He led by example, Gary McSheffrey," said Thorn. "I thought he was exceptional, showed real character and leadership qualities.

"I didn't see either of them (the penalties), I was just looking at our supporters, but I am just pleased they both went in.

"Being a local lad as well he is desperate to do well and it was a massive result for us tonight.

"We played slightly differently tonight, but still tried to play football and Nimely has got quality and if he gets you squared up you are in trouble because he has got quick feet and can move himself quickly.

"He did brilliantly to win both penalties. He is quality and I thought Oliver Norwood was excellent alongside Gary Deegan (in midfield) and I thought it was a massive performance from all our players.

"People had written us off and it has made us strong as a group."

Disappointed

Leeds caretaker boss Redfearn was visibly disappointed with his side's display, which will have done his chances of landing the job permanently, and his side's hopes of making the play-offs, no help whatsoever.

"They were both penalties from my point of view," admitted Redfearn.

"I thought we were good against Bristol City and we were okay against Brighton, but tonight I don't think we turned up to be honest.

"No disrespect to Coventry, but they are a team bang at the bottom of the league, they are struggling and the last thing you want to do is give them a leg up. We let them off the hook.

"It is about being professional and doing things properly and right from the off, we came in 1-1 at half-time and I thought we were poor to be honest.

"We didn't get about them, we didn't react to second balls and we didn't compete well enough.

"We gave corners and throw-ins away cheaply to put ourselves under pressure. We carried too many, we have got good players at this club.

"It is difficult for me because I am only a caretaker manager, but a few home truths had to be told at half-time."