Huntington can beat the boos - Leeds boss
Last updated 11:13, Saturday, 10 May 2008
LEEDS boss Gary McAllister has no intention of taking Paul Huntington out of the line of fire in next week’s play-off showdown with Carlisle United.
Huntington is certain to come in for stick in both legs of the play-off semi-final, after the young Cumbrian upset Blues fans with offensive gestures during the Elland Road clash between the two sides last month.
The 20-year-old’s reception at Brunton Park in next Thursday’s second leg is likely to be particularly hostile. But McAllister believes the former Trinity School boy has the mental strength to see off the hate mob.
“I think it’s a fantastic test for him – and I’m sure he’ll be fine,” said the Scot, whose side host United in the first leg on Monday in front of around 40,000 fans at Elland Road.
The Leeds chief also revealed he is tapping into Neil McDonald’s detailed knowledge of the Carlisle players ahead of the big League One promotion clashes.
McDonald was controversially sacked as Blues boss last August but is now one of McAllister’s most trusted lieutenants as his first-team coach.
“He knows the players and worked in close with the Carlisle lads,” said the Elland Road chief.
“We know a wee bit more psyche of the Carlisle players than other opponents through Neil.
“I think he’s done very well. He likes to go on the training field and he’s a first-class coach. The players enjoy working with him but I feel him and Steve (Staunton) have been a great help to me.”
Although Leeds go into Monday’s first-leg on superior form to the Cumbrians, McAllister is anticipating a tight contest against John Ward’s men.
“We’ve got loads of respect for Carlisle. They’ve done fantastic over the last three or four years and a lot’s been achieved there.
“They’ve stumbled a little bit in recent games and we’re on a good run but strange things have happened in the play-offs in the past. Form sometimes goes out the window, but we're looking forward to it.
“It’s going to be close and it’s going to be tight.”
United are training today and tomorrow ahead of Monday’s televised tie. The Blues have returned some of their 2,000 ticket allocation, which are now being sold to Leeds fans. Carlisle supporters will now only be in the South-East corner of Elland Road.
