Bowyer's curling right-footed goal was sandwiched by efforts from Harry Kewell and Mark Viduka.

Bowyer said afterwards: "It's tough for me at the moment. Things have gone on behind closed doors which I'm not going to start talking about now.

"I'm going to keep on giving it my all for Leeds - but never say never.

"It would be good to get in the England squad and be given a chance to prove I can play at that level - but I'll just keep playing well for Leeds and hope it happens."

Viduka, who revealed Bowyer scored a similar goal in training yesterday, continued on Premiership Plus: "They came at us early and put us under a lot of pressure in the first half - but it could have gone either way.

"Lee's goal made it easier for us - he's invaluable to the team and we'd like to see him stay."

Terry Venables said: "Lee was terrific and he has been like that in training every day.

"He is so enthusiastic, he is keen to learn new things and he has been a joy to have in the squad. He really has done excellently."

Responding to chants from the Leeds supporters who urged Bowyer to sign a new deal, Venables added: "Of course I'd like him to sign but it's all in his hands. He has another year left and he has a right to see that out or renegotiate a contract. We will see in time what will happen."