Leeds Boss Simon Grayson On Tonight

Last updated : 02 October 2009 By Thetashkentterror

Simon Grayson
Leeds boss Simon Grayson spoke to the official Whites website and BBC Radio Leeds about his side's game against Carlisle at Elland Road tonight, Grayson hoping there is no repeat of the 2-0 win the Blues picked up there in January, that the last time an away side picked up any points in the league at Elland Road :


"Greg (Abbott) is trying to put a good team together at Carlisle, and this division is one where anyone can beat anyone. I'm well aware that Carlisle were the last team to beat us here and I don't want that to happen again. I'd like to think we are a completely different team to that day - they are as well - but it just shows you that results can happen and you have to be on your guard.

"You have to earn the right to win games and we've done that over the past few months, but this will be a difficult one. The biggest game for me is Carlisle because it's our next one. Our focus is only on Carlisle. We know what strengths and weaknesses they have and we'll look at Charlton after that.

"You have to keep your eye on the ball, treat teams with respect, and focus on the next game. We've got to approach it like we've approached every game this season, focussed and with a good attitude, then hopefully we'll get the right result again. We know it's going to be a difficult game because everyone expects us to turn up and win, but that doesn't happen in football.

"We have a few knocks - we've had two tough games over the past week - but I'm sure they'll be fit and ready to go. We've been consistent with our team selection, but those lads not in have been excellent and that stands them in good stead. I've said all along it's going to be a squad game, and if there are opportunities, the players are ready to take them."




In team news for Leeds tonight goalkeeper Shane Higgs will miss out after suffering a thigh strain in last Saturday's 1-0 win over MK Dons, substitute in that game Casper Ankergren, therefore ready to make his first league start of the season this evening. The Elland Road club having strengthened in that position this morning by signing 21-year old Blackburn stopper Frank Fielding on a one-month loan deal.

Another injury from that MK Dons game was right-back Jason Crowe who picked up a hamstring problem, Crowe now rated as very doubtful to take part in this evening's match. In better news for the home side though Argentinian striker Luciano Becchio, who missed out on Saturday to witness the birth of his first child, is once more available for selection.




The referee for tonight's match is Russell Booth from Mansfield, and he will be assisted down the lines by Dave Benton from Sheffield and Chris Kavanagh from Eccles on the western outskirts of Manchester. Meanwhile the fourth official is from about three miles away from Eccles, as it is Colin Harwood from Swinton.