STEVE Evans may raid the emergency loan market this week to plug gaps in Leeds United’s defence.

Gaetano Beradi’s red card against Rotherham United on Saturday means the Whites will be without three regular members of their back line. Skipper Sol Bamba (fractured toe) and Charlie Taylor (glandular fever) both missed the 1-0 defeat against Evans’ former club and don’t expect to be ready for the next game at QPR.

Despite much speculation about players coming in on loan at Elland Road none have been forthcoming but Beradi’s dismissal seems sure to change that.

The Swiss full-back, one of United’s better performers this season, was dismissed after an 72nd minute altercation with debutant Leon Best, who was also shown his marching orders by referee Keith Stroud.

Off-colour Leeds had gone behind on 54 minutes when Joe Newell drifted unchallenged into the box to head in Richie Smallwood’s cross. That was enough to give former Leeds head coach Neil Redfearn his first win in charge of the Millers, who hauled themselves off the foot of the table. His decision to make nine changes to the team which lost 5-2 at home to Ipswich was vindicated by a battling performance.

It was a sweet return for Redfearn who many think was harshly sacked in the summer by Leeds owner Massimo Cellino but a downbeat Evans said: “I feel we contributed to their success today.”

In a poor game more akin to League One than Championsip standard, Leeds missed some decent chances after visiting goalkeeper Lee Camp did well to deny Alex Mowatt in a rare first-half highlight.

Mirco Antenucci went close immediately after the restart but a miss from 10 yards as Leeds pressed for an equaliser summed up United’s work in and around the box – lacking in quality.

Leeds United: Silvestri, Wootton, Bellusci, Cooper, Beradi, Dallas (Botaka 67), Cook (Erwin 85), Murphy (Adeyemi 67), Mowatt, Wood, Antenucci.

Subs (not used): Horton, Byram, Buckley, Doukara.

Cautions: Antenucci, Murphy, Bellusci.

Sent off: Beradi

Rotherham United: Camp, Buxton, Kelly, Broadfoot, Mattock (Toffolo HT), G Ward, Frecklington, Smallwood, Newell (Collins 90), Best, Clarke-Harris (D Ward 80).

Subs (not used): Collin, Andreu, Barker, Derbyshire.

Cautions: Mattock, Broadfoot, D Ward

Referee: Keith Stroud (Hampshire)

Att: 25,802