Liam Cooper has revealed his pride at goalkeeper Kiko Casilla's performance in Leeds United's victory over Bristol City on Saturday, describing his team-mates as "absolutely buzzing" for the Spaniard.
The Whites skipper captained his side to a crucial victory and first win in three against the Robins at Elland Road, as Marcelo Bielsa saw his team reassert their position in the Premier League promotion race thanks to Luke Ayling's strike.
Shot-stopper Casilla in particular has come under fire in some quarters for his performances, with his unforced error against Brentford in midweek effectively costing United two points in their title challenge.
The Spaniard bounced back on home turf in style, with the crowd behind him as he kept a clean sheet to help Leeds move clear in second following a weekend of favourable results across the Championship.
Speaking afterwards, Scotland international Cooper spoke about his joy at the goalkeeper's performance, hailing the 33-year-old and his fellow Whites stars for their infectious team spirit following 2020's spate of mixed form.
"I’m delighted for him," he said. "Absolutely delighted for him. He’s come in for a bit of stick, but he’s a confident lad and that clean sheet was for him today.
"He deserves it. He never changes the way he plays. He’s a great lad and we’re absolutely buzzing for him.
"We do our jobs. We stick together through thick and thin. We’re an honest bunch. If one man messes up, the other one will bail him out.
"That’s the way it’s got to be. We’ve got a real togetherness and we’ve got a great group of lads and we’ll fight to the end."
