Grayson defends loan system as winger Watt joins United

Winger Sanchez Watt has moved to the League One promotion hopefuls from Arsenal for the rest of the campaign and could go straight into the side to face Norwich City tomorrow.

The 19-year-old will be one of five loanees in the squad for the Carrow Road encounter, while 37-year-old Paul Dickov is only at Leeds until the end of the campaign after joining earlier this month.

Such a reliance on short-term signings, coupled with United's poor form since the turn of the year, has led to a section of the Elland Road faithful starting to question the commitment of those who are unlikely to be at the club beyond May.

But Grayson said: "The loan market is there to freshen things up with a new face. People say 'loan players are not yours and do not try as much' but I don't go with that.

"Players play for their own pride and always try whatever shirt they are wearing. If someone comes into a club and doesn't try then it means they go back to their own club and do not get a chance. They have to try and enhance their reputation."

On Watt, who has made three League Cup appearances for Arsenal this term and recently spent a month at Southend, Grayson added: "When the chance came along to sign him, I thought 'I will be foolish not to'. He is a player who can play in a couple of positions and his club think he has a great future."

In contrast to the flood of loanees, Leeds have paid fees this season for just two permanent signings: Leigh Bromby (Watford) and Max Gradel (Leicester).

Two United players headed out of Elland Road yesterday with Andy Robinson joining Tranmere Rovers on loan and Liam Darville switching to Rotherham United.

Jermaine Beckford (hamstring) remains a doubt for the trip to Norwich.