Ahead of the Capital One Cup tie with fellow Premier League side West Bromwich Albion this evening, Alex Neil revealed that he will be making some changes to the side that drew with Liverpool on Sunday, but confirmed that we wouldn’t be seeing massive changes.
“I think it’s a case of getting some players game time but also making sure the squad and team are going to be strong, certainly strong enough to win the game”
Neil won’t want to make the same mistakes as his predecessor Neil Adams, who saw his side knocked out of the competition last season to League 2 minnows Shrewsbury Town. Adams put out a weakened team on the day with a substitutes bench filled with youngsters.
“It’s always a balancing act over the course of the season because it’s not just about 11 players, it’s about making sure you try and utilise your squad the best you can but try and not weaken the team.”
Neil confirmed that defender Russell Martin will be in the squad for the game. The 29-year-old was late to Sunday’s game at Anfield due to his son being born in the early hours of the morning.
“Russell’s been in with the rest of the players. With football, you never get a break! He’ll be in the squad.”
Finally, Neil spoke about the importance of the Capital One Cup, saying he wanted to progress but the Premier League comes firmly first.
“I think at the stage we’re at at the moment, our Premier League hopes and aspirations are our biggest priority, but also the Capital One Cup and any cup that we play in is important as well so we’re not going to be dismissive of this competition, we want to do well and we want to win this game. “However I would state that the Premier League is much more important for us.”
Comments.
Loading comments…