Source: PA
Grayson hails hat-trick hero Becchio
Leeds boss Simon Grayson was full of praise for Argentinian striker Luciano Becchio after he came on as a second-half substitute to hit a hat-trick in the 3-1 home win over Bristol City.
Becchio entered the fray after 60 minutes and 23 minutes later had completed a match-winning treble, with Jon Stead's 68th-minute strike all the Robins had to show for their efforts.
Grayson said: "He has been battered from pillar to post in the last few games playing as a lone striker so I felt he needed a breather and started him on the bench. We certainly reaped the rewards of sending him on just after the hour. He was there in the right place at the right time and fully deserved his hat-trick because he has worked ever so hard since he has been here.
"We did OK for an hour or so, passing the ball around without any real spark in and around the 18-yard box, but we felt if we kept doing the right things the opportunities would come along and that was proved right by Luciano's goals."
Becchio's contract is due to expire next summer but Grayson added: "We are in negotiations with his representatives and we want to keep him because he is a fantastic player and we want to hold on to our best players.
"We will look to reach agreement but we must stay within our wage budget. The fans love him and he is a cult hero. To score his three goals in front of the kop was a great experience for him."
