Last updated at 11:43, Thursday, 11 October 2012

Greg Abbott today admitted he wants his Carlisle United team to ruin Francois Zoko’s return to Brunton Park.

Francois Zoko

The Ivorian – now with Notts County – will make his first appearance at Carlisle this weekend since he left the Blues in the summer.

Abbott said there is no bad blood between him and Zoko over the skilful African’s decision to snub a new contract at Carlisle.

But he said the welcome won’t be extended to matters on the pitch this Saturday.

“There will be no favours given on the pitch and we hope he goes home with his tail between his legs, nursing a defeat,” said the United manager.

“We always liked Francois and we think he likes us. I’m sure he will be given a nice welcome when he comes back and it will be good to see him.

“But hopefully it will be on our terms – with the result going our way.”

Zoko has scored three goals for the seventh-placed Magpies since joining Keith Curle’s side, following a two-year stint with the Cumbrians.

But the talented frontman found himself out of the side in their last game against Tranmere, only coming on as a second-half sub.

The 29-year-old could be in line for a recall this Saturday with Curle hoping Zoko can return to haunt his old employers.

Abbott, meanwhile, reckons his own team’s attacking players are showing signs of becoming deadly.

The United manager was impressed with the display of his front four – Danny Cadamarteri, Joe Garner, Matty Robson and Kallum Higginbotham – in last weekend’s win at Walsall.

And he is backing the quartet to put Notts under heavy pressure this weekend.

“At Walsall we created more chances in the first half than we have for a long time,” Abbott said.

“Add that to the ones we created against Crawley the previous weekend – albeit we didn’t take them – and things are looking good in that respect.

“And the work ethic they showed to get back into the shape to make life difficult for the opposition was terrific.”

Higginbotham is set to continue on the right wing with JP McGovern still sidelined.

The Huddersfield loanee made his first league start at Walsall. Abbott added: “Kallum is a good player and will be better for having that game.

“His fitness levels have been a little bit low through a lack of football but the amount he put into the Walsall game was fantastic.

“He will get stronger with every game.”

First published at 11:40, Thursday, 11 October 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk