Neil Back paid tribute to teenager Joe Ford after his man-of-the-match performance inspired a youthful Leeds side to a 28-17 victory over Leicester in the LV= Cup.

The 19-year-old was making his debut for the Yorkshire club and lined up against his younger brother George, 16, in an intriguing fly-half duel at Headingley.

Watched by father and England coach Mike Ford, Joe seized centre stage with an inspirational first-half display which saw him, Scott Armstrong and Scott Mathie touchdown to establish a 25-3 interval advantage.

Back, who served the Tigers with such distinction during his seven years at Welford Road, has now seen his men win two games in succession after last weekend's momentous Guinness Premiership win at Wasps.

The head coach said: "We rotated the squad from last week and 12 of the guys who played today had come through the academy.

"The future at Leeds is very strong and I was really pleased with the performance.

"It was important to get the win and keep the momentum going, and they delivered which was fantastic for the club.

"Joe has performed outstandingly well in the A League and academy system and took his opportunity with a man-of-the-match performance."

Joe Ford finished off a slick sequence by touching down in the right corner and an equally impressive move led to Armstrong going over on the opposite flank.

Mathie added a third try on the stroke of half-time and Joe Ford, who also kicked three penalties and two conversions, said: "It's always good to get a good start and the first 20 minutes couldn't have been any better for us really.

"Did I enjoy it? If I'd sat down the night before and tried to plan out how my debut would go, then that was pretty close.

"I know I made some mistakes but it's something to work on. George and I didn't talk much beforehand.

"Fair play to him, he's one of the youngest players ever to play at that level and I'm really proud of him.

"He's only 16 and to put in a performance like that just shows his ability and his potential."

It has to be remembered this was the much-maligned Anglo-Welsh Cup and against a severely under-strength Leicester outfit.

Yet Back and director of rugby Andy Key - another Leicester old boy - have fashioned an admirable spirit at Leeds for what promises nonetheless to be a long, hard winter.

Back said: "We are growing mentally as a team at this level and having 12 players who have come through the academy speaks volumes for the club and the development of young talent.

"Joe was outstanding tonight and he's growing in stature and confidence."

Leicester head coach Richard Cockerill could not find fault with his players but was left to rue their sluggish first-half display.

He said: "It was a really spirited performance and I was delighted with the spirit, but it was just a really poor first half.

"At 25-3 down at half-time they could have capitulated but the young lads stood up really well.

"George Ford is 16 and a half, Joe Cobden is 17 and Will Hurrell did well too.

"I was delighted for George because he did well against his brother and put in a good performance in the senior side.

"We have used this tournament as a development for our younger squad and we had a shadow side out tonight, but there were lots of positives to take from the game."