Ross McCormack
McDermott was impressed by McCormack's performance.

Leeds United manager Brian McDermott was keen to stress the positives from his side's performance despite exiting the League Cup at the hands of Premier league side Newcastle United.

Goals from Papiss Cisse, his first since April, and Yoan Gouffran either side of half time helped the Toon to their fourth win in five games after the weekend defeat to Hull City.

But Leeds, who have won three of their opening eight Championship games, will be wondering 'what if' after Ross McCormack hit the bar before the visitors were denied a penalty when Matt Smith was felled in the area.

But Newcastle edged through to set up a fourth round tie with Manchester City but McDermott was encouraged by Leeds' performance at St James' Park.

"I thought we played really well in the first half," the ex-Reading boss said. "There were a lot of good things that came out of the game.

"It's all about both boxes. Their first goal we should have done better and their second was a great finish, but we had opportunities. We hit the bar, and we had a definite penalty. That was disappointing.

"That effort by Ross was real class. We had other opportunities with Matt Smith and it could have been different. Like I say, I thought we should have had a penalty. Matt was bowled over. It was a certain penalty and because he's six foot four he didn't give it."

The first meeting between the two sides in nine years saw 7,000 Leeds fans travel to the north east in the hope of an upset.

McDermott's priority however remains with returning Leeds to the top flight for the first time since 2004 and the 52 year old said the club's loyal support has inspired him to go that extra mile to bring successful to west Yorkshire.

"The crowd were unbelievable," he added. "They saw us trying to play and do the right things and there was a lot to be positive about.

"The support was fantastic. I said to Ross at the end we have to give them something because they deserve something. We'll dust ourselves down and go again.

"That game was never going to be easy. We gave a good account of ourselves and if we could have got that first goal, who knows what could have happened."