Thirlwell fit for crunch games against Leeds
Last updated 12:40, Thursday, 08 May 2008
CARLISLE United skipper Paul Thirlwell is set to end a miserable season by dramatically returning to play a key role in next week’s crunch play-off clashes with Leeds.
The Blues’ club captain has missed most of the campaign through injury – but boss John Ward hinted the battling midfielder will figure in the massive double-header against Gary McAllister’s side.
Ward believes Thirlwell – who has fought back from FOUR separate injuries this term – is fit enough to start in the semi-finals.
The 29-year-old didn’t even make the bench for United’s last game of the season against Bournemouth but his experience and defensive attributes are likely to be called upon at Elland Road in next Monday’s first leg.
Keeping the Yorkshire side at bay in front of nearly 40,000 fans, and ensuring the tie remains alive going into next Thursday’s second leg, means the former Derby destroyer could be the perfect man to stifle Leeds’ creative players.
“Paul Thirlwell’s knowledge and experience could be very helpful to the team,” said Ward.
“There’s no reason why he shouldn’t be able to start.
“For Saturday, I looked at my team and thought ‘this is a game we have to try and win’. I had Zigor Aranalde on the bench as my defender, but the other three subs – Cleveland Taylor, Danny Carlton and Marc Bridge-Wilkinson – were geared towards finding a goal.
“Thirls understood that. But I’m in a slightly different position now.
“I saw his third reserve game last week and his mobility was much better.
“I think he would relish an opportunity if it came his way. Absolutely, he’s ready.”
Ward may revert to a 4-5-1 system in a bid to squeeze Leeds on their own ground and such a move would be Thirlwell’s likeliest route back into the side.
Chris Lumsdon appears certain of one central midfield place but neither Bridge-Wilkinson nor Grant Smith seem as secure, having both been dropped by Ward in recent games.
Ward’s lone striker system came in for plenty of criticism from supporters in the closing weeks of the season before he switched to 4-4-2 for the final two games.
But it did not restrict United’s forward play at Elland Road in April, when they counter-attacked effectively and plundered two goals, with only defensive errors costing them the points.
Ward said midfielder Jeff Smith is getting closer to full fitness after two months out with an ankle injury, but the former Port Vale man would only be available for selection if Carlisle reached the play-off final.
TICKETS for Monday’s away leg are still available and are on general sale at Brunton Park today.
