Warnock embarrassed by 7-3 thrashing

Leeds are five points outside the Championship play-off places and Warnock revealed he learned more about his players last night than he has in any of the previous games since he arrived at the club last month. At one stage Leeds got back from 3-1 down to 3-3, but they then crumbled. Warnock said: "I'm quite embarrassed about the result. But I don't think you learn much about your players when you're winning games, I think you learn things when things go against you, who stands up and who you want in the trenches with you. "I've learnt probably more than I have in the other games tonight, but in fairness some of them were just shattered. We're a bit thin on the ground, but I don't think the centre-backs played poorly, I just thought every shot was going to go in. "We've fought back really well but the fourth goal was terrible, it was a Sunday League goal. You've got to be stronger mental in certain areas to avoid results like that." Garath McCleary was labelled a "special talent" by Forest manager Steve Cotterill after he inspired the stunning win. The former Bromley winger scored four goals as Forest ran riot in West Yorkshire. When Robert Snodgrass slotted home an early penalty to put the home side in front, Cotterill must have feared the worst. But Forest hit back with a stunning strike from on-loan midfielder Adlene Guedioura and McCleary deservedly put them in front just before half-time. Dexter Blackstock then further increased Forest's lead and, although Leeds were soon back on level terms with two goals in as many minutes from Luciano Becchio and Michael Brown, Forest, and in particular McCleary, were not to be denied. The tricky winger was a thorn in Leeds' side all evening and he struck three times in the space of 15 minutes with some exquisite finishing before Blackstock added a seventh to stun the Leeds faithful and ease Forest's relegation fears. McCleary has recently been linked with a summer move to the Premier League and on this evidence he has a bright future ahead of him. And Cotterill praised the winger after his fine individual displayed helped Forest move seven points clear of the relegation zone. Cotterill said: "He's a wonderful boy, he really is. He's scored more goals tonight than games he played last season but he's a great boy. "He's come from non-league, he's a special talent, he's raw, he's got two good feet, he can head it, he's strong. I think he can go on to be even better, I think he's a top lad." Cotterill added: "It was a stunning game, I know we've won but Leeds United played their part as well. Our chances went in, but they played their part. "I thought it was an outstanding game by both teams, we're very pleased with the three points more than anything else, but to play in the manner we've played, we've done that a lot this season and ended up losing 1-0 so maybe it's evened out a little bit."