Despite Leeds United Under-21s’ enthralling 4-3 victory over West Bromwich Albion Under-21s, boss Scott Gardner believes his side can improve going forwards.

A Carrick Njinko hattrick and powerful Jacob Render strike fired the Whites to victory over the Baggies at Thorp Arch as the Premier League 2 season got underway.

“Not good enough to be honest,” Gardner told LUTV after the full-time whistle. “I know we won the game. We talked about being ruthless, which I thought we were.

“But we gave up far too many chances and I thought they deserved more from the game. So, yeah, a little bit disappointed, actually.

“I just think we need to see more quality and particularly in the first half, more effort, which is unusual for us. I was a bit annoyed with that first half, to be honest.”

When asked to sum up Njinko’s superb afternoon in front of goal, the coach added: “He has returned after pre-season in a really good manner.

“He is making himself an important and valuable member of the Under-21s squad. It is his job to stay with us and kick on again.

“He has got his three goals which is his reward but it is all the other stuff around the game that I have been really impressed with him in the recent weeks and months.”