Gary McAllister believes Saturday's Elland Road win against Walsall sent out a message to Leeds United's promotion rivals.

United had won four of the last 16 games going into Saturday's clash, but McAllister's side turned in one of the best performances of the season to beat promotion chasing Walsall 2-0 in front of the Sky TV cameras.

The win kept Leeds within two points of the Play-Off places and the boss was delighted the performance.

"We played well and we deserved the three points," he said. "To do both makes for a decent Easter.

"Jermaine Beckford scored twice and there's no finer sight than seeing a young striker with his confidence again. He looked a real threat.

"They only breached us once. After conceding three at Port Vale last week we defended well. We held a stronger line and the two centre-backs headed away more than they have in the eight games before.

"I was delighted with the clean sheet. When we break the game down that was the most pleasing thing, but l'm delighted Jermaine is back on scoresheet.

"The cameras were here and we sent out a message on Saturday."

While Becks took the plaudits for his two goals, strike partner Dougie Freedman was an unsung hero alongside him on his full Elland Road debut, having a terrific game.

"Dougie Freedman was excellent alongside a very sharp Beckford," said McAllister.

"After the last game here I was saying that with some of our play we needed to take more care in the final third, and we knew Walsall would come and frustrate and stick men behind the ball.

"But look at some of the positions our forward got in. Their movement was terrific and I don't know any defence that would have coped.

"I was pleased for Alan Sheehan as well. It was clear after a couple of games that the jump from playing reserve team football to the first team here was big, but he's worked very, very hard, staying behind on an afternoon, and he played well on Saturday."

"This is a crucial part of the season and I'm looking for characters and people who can cope. I'm backing my players - I think they've got it."

You can see highlights plus more from Gary and Alan Sheehan on LUTV...