Many of his players were nursing bruised shins to go with their bruised egos after they struggled through their fiery clash with the Ukranian minnows on Thursday.

After the game, Venables criticised Metalurg's aggressive approach, and said he was unhappy that they were not punished more often by Turkish referee Muhittin Bosat.

However, the Leeds boss reserved special praise for the restraint shown by Alan Smith, who belied his hothead reputation by keeping his cool despite fierce intimidation.

"Alan has been criticised in the past for his temperament, but I thought out there he was a credit to us," added Venables.

"He withstood a lot of physical punishment, but he played well to lead the line. You cannot say his temperament is suspect - he is top quality.

"But I do feel the referee was lenient. I accept you have to be tolerant, but as time goes by I have more and more difficulty with what goes on."

Bosat did dismiss Uros Milosavljevic in the 80th minute for two bookable offences, the second of which was for a foul on Barmby.

Milosavljevic disgraced himself further as he spat on the winger as he lay on the ground.

Venables said he was satisfied with the result, even though the Ukranians made life very tough for Leeds - joint favourites, with Italian giants Lazio, to lift the trophy come May.

"It's not a matter of how we get through, it's about getting through," said Venables.

"It's about results, which is what we stand and fall on in this game. This was a difficult match over two legs which we have come through.

"We attacked from the start. I don't think we actually sat back at any stage. We could have done better, but they are there to stop us creating chances.