Steve Staunton Talks About Tomorrow

Last updated : 19 September 2008 By Thetashkentterror
Steve Staunton
Leeds assistant manager Steve Staunton spoke to the Yorkshire Evening Post about his side's big clash with Carlisle at Brunton Park tomorrow, Staunton first looking back to their 2-0 win in the play-offs in Cumbria at the end of last season :


"From my point of view, that night was a disaster because I ripped my calf! I had put a slight tear in it playing for Aston Villa old boys so when I jumped up for the second goal I put a proper rip in it. I really should have jumped off the other foot. It means I will never forget the game at Carlisle. No, seriously, it was a wonderful night. It was chalk and cheese compared to the home leg and we will need more of the same this weekend.

"They have to try and beat us up there. That's the difference. We'll be looking to win the game, of course, but we don't have to try to win it from the off. They'll have to come at us. Carlisle is a place where, even if the weather is fine, it's not that good a ground to go to. But there isn't an easy ground in this league because everyone raises their game against us.

"We can't afford to not be at the races or up to speed, but we're not fixated (on Carlisle's home record). It's like any ground we go to - we're looking to win the game. We know from last year that they've got a good manager and good players.

"They're a good footballing side and they'll be in the top six. But it's 11 versus 11, as we always say, and hopefully our 11 will be better than theirs. As a good friend of mine said when I was in the Republic of Ireland job, pressure is for tyres. We know we've won up there already, but we also know it's going to be a difficult game.

"Andrew Hughes dropped in at left-back on Saturday and did a wonderful job for us, and we've also got Ben Parker who's looking good and sharp in training. We've no problem. Whoever plays there instead of Alan Sheehan will slot in and do the job.

"This year, Carlisle have gone 4-4-2 - though whether they will stick with that we don't know. Last season they were more 4-3-3. Either way, we know we will be in for a tough game. (Marc) Bridge-Wilkinson is an excellent footballer.

"They also have two good strikers, and although they have lost their goalkeeper the back four remains solid. Carlisle are a good footballing side who know where the goal is. It will be a good test, they got beat (2-1) last week at Scunthorpe and will be looking to bounce back."