Sweeney 'bravery' inspired Burton in win - Bowyer

Ryan Sweeney received medical attention on the pitch before being taken to hospital

Captain Ryan Sweeney inspired Burton Albion's 2-1 win against Leyton Orient with an "incredible act of bravery" which saw him taken to hospital with a head injury, says Brewers boss Gary Bowyer.

The centre-back left the field just before half-time after blocking Diallang Jaiyesimi's close-range effort with his head as the visitors threatened to go 2-0 up after Dan Agyei gave Orient an early lead.

Burton went on to fight back with two goals in four second-half minutes from Charlie Webster and Rumarn Burrell to clinch a hugely important win in their battle to avoid relegation.

Bowyer said Sweeney had shown himself to be "a warrior with a capital W", whose goal-saving effort prompted Brewers midfielder Kyran Lofthouse to rally team-mates at half-time.

"Lofthouse was magnificent because he said, 'Look we have to do this for our captain'," Bowyer told BBC Radio Derby.

"And fair play to the rest of them, they stepped up and did it for their captain. The boys really did pull it our for him tonight. That was an incredible act of bravery from him."

Bowyer said he hoped Sweeney was listening to his post-match interview after he was taken to hospital to be assessed further.

The Brewers boss praised the "character" of his squad after the injury set-back, as victory moved them to within three points of safety.

"It was unbelievable from the boys tonight. It's not a surprise though because we have spoken about their togetherness and connection before," Bowyer said.