Warnock to keep Senegal star Diouf
LONDON, Sept 2, 2012 (AFP) - Leeds manager Neil Warnock backed El-Hadji Diouf to fire his side into the Championship promotion race after the Senegal forward's inspired display in the 3-3 draw against Blackburn.
Diouf joined Leeds on a non-contract basis after being released by Doncaster last season, but the former Liverpool and Blackburn star has impressed Warnock enough to earn a deal until January.
The 31-year-old sparked a Leeds revival on Saturday with his side's first goal after Blackburn had surged into a 2-0 lead. Warnock's side moved 3-2 in front before Ruben Rochina's late equaliser preserved Blackburn's unbeaten start.
“I thought Diouf's contribution in the second half was good,” Warnock said.
“The game was a good advert for the Championship. I am so proud of my team for battling back from two down.” Rovers boss Steve Kean was relieved to escape with a point after Leeds staged such a strong fight back and he believes his side, relegated from the Premier League last season, will figure in the promotion race if they continue to show that kind of spirit.
“It was a roller-coaster game and looking back we will think it was a decent point, but at two up we were in total control,” he said.
“If we had gone in two goals up at half-time I think we would have won but full credit to Leeds. They had a real go. We have gone four league games unbeaten which is a solid start.” Bolton manager Owen Coyle admitted his side's fans were right to be upset after their slow start to life in the Championship continued with a 3-1 defeat at Hull.
Bolton supporters, furious with another lacklustre display, called for Coyle to be sacked after Saturday's match and the Scot, who presided over Wanderers' relegation from the Premier League last season, said: “The fans are quite right to be unhappy.