Mac - my team will improve

Leeds boss vows to put on super show at Carlisle

Last updated: 14th May 2008

Mac - my team will improve

McAllister: Feels Leeds will perform better at Carlisle

As much as we were disappointed with our performance, we did create some chances. But you'll see a different Leeds side.

Gary McAllister
Quotes of the week

LIVE ON SKY SPORTS
Watch the second leg of the League One play-off between Carlisle United and Leeds United live on Sky Sports 1 from 7.30pm on Thursday.

Related links

Teams

Also see

Gary McAllister has promised "a different Leeds side" will turn up for the return leg of their League One play-off semi-final at Carlisle.

The Cumbrians stunned a full house in the first leg at Elland Road on Monday by taking a 2-0 lead before Dougie Freedman threw Leeds a lifeline deep in stoppage time.

McAllister said: "This is it. There's an exciting game coming up. What we've learned from the first game was that Carlisle were better.

"They've edged themselves in front, but they can be sure it's going to be a tough battle. We're going to fight and scrap and go right to the final minute.

"We've got to improve right throughout the team, from one to 11. We have to hold our hands up and admit that we didn't play well.

"But the fact is we gave ourselves a better chance by getting that late goal and on reflection and looking at the video we did make four or five chances, and their goalkeeper was probably man of the match.

Chances

"As much as we were disappointed with our performance, we did create some chances. But you'll see a different Leeds side.

"I'm absolutely sure that the quality, the composure and the way we approach it will be different."

Carlisle will start favourites for the second leg at Brunton Park, with roles now reversed after John Ward's side turned in a classy performance, but McAllister wonders how they will handle the expectation.

The former Scotland skipper said: "Many people saw us as favourites at Elland Road - Carlisle having a goal start will now be deemed favourites. So we go into the game as underdogs.

"They've got the expectation and the pressure of the home fans which we had the other night, so the roles reverse a little bit. We'll see how Carlisle cope with that."

McAllister expects striker Jermaine Beckford's troublesome ankle to settle in time and has no other new injury problems, but Alan Sheehan is still suspended.

Comments (1)

  • Page 1 of 1
  • 1

Ian Lindskog (Leeds United fan) says...

I predict 3-1 win for Leeds ! Howson, Freedman and Bradley Johnson. MOT! Doncaster/southend , see you at wembley 25. may.

Posted 22:49 14th May 2008
  • Page 1 of 1
  • 1

Add Comment*

Send us your views

Are you a Sky Sports subscriber?

*All fields required, your email address will be kept private