Mark McCall praises Saracens' fight and effort after their 16-12 win at Leicester Tigers kept them on course for a successful title defence.

Owen Farrell scored all of the visitors' points, including the only try of the game in the 55th minute when he capitalised on a mistake by England teammate Ben Youngs.

Sarries' 10th win of the season puts them just one point behind leaders Wasps and director of rugby McCall said: "We are chuffed to bits to come here and win where they have not lost this season.

"Not everything in our game was perfect, far from it. But what was tremendous was the fight we had and the effort we showed all the way through the game.

"Our defensive effort was extraordinary. Alex Sanderson has done an unbelievable job post-Paul Gustard - but the players have to do it out there.

"We had to win without a platform because our scrum today was poor. To get a result without a scrum is tough."

McCall praised Farrell, who capitalised on Youngs' error with a lovely dummy to score his try.

He said: "It's funny, people see that as the moment of the game and I understand that. But Owen did so many things which were not eye-catching.

"Some of his kick chase was as good as I have ever seen and his defence was extraordinary. His desire and energy never fades."

McCall said winger Chris Ashton would miss the game against Exeter after suffering concussion in a clash of heads with Tom Brady.

He was also disappointed that full-back Alex Goode had not made the England squad, adding: "Alex was the Premiership player of the season last season, the best full-back in the Premiership.

"It's disappointing for Alex. He seems to be okay but he's disappointed."