Irvine: Blades tie a 'normal game'

08 May 2009 08:06
Irvine won the Manager of the Month award for April after leading the Lancashire outfit on an impressive run which resulted in a top-six finish on a dramatic final day of the season.[LNB]Last Sunday's 2-1 home win over QPR, coupled with Cardiff's 1-0 defeat at Sheffield Wednesday, saw Preston leapfrog the Bluebirds into sixth spot by virtue of having scored one more goal.[LNB]Returning to the top flight for the first time since 1961 would complete a remarkable turnaround for a club which Irvine has revived since he quit his post as Everton assistant manager and took the helm at Deepdale in November 2007.[LNB]Looking ahead to the visit of Kevin Blackwell's side, Irvine said: "We've got to approach it as a normal game first and foremost.[LNB]"Players feel uncomfortable with you doing unusual things and presenting them with situations that they have never had to deal with prior to that.[LNB]"We'll definitely prepare for it as we would normally do for a game against Sheffield United.[LNB]"We know that whatever happens in the first leg it is only half-time and you have to do it all over again.[LNB]"You want to make sure that you are going into the second leg very much in contention."[LNB]Preston are boosted by the return from suspension of influential winger Ross Wallace but on-loan Watford midfielder Lee Williamson remains banned.[LNB]Irvine must decide whether to hand Wallace an immediate recall to the starting line-up or name the same side which beat Rangers last Sunday.[LNB]Irvine added: "It certainly gives me a decision to make.[LNB]"I have to decide whether I bring Ross, who has been very influential for us, straight back in or whether I stick with the lads who got the result at the weekend."[LNB]Blades skipper Chris Morgan, one of five United players to have reached a play-off final, is wary of Preston's momentum, but not daunted by it.[LNB]Morgan said: "We treat everybody with respect, but don't fear anybody. It's all up for grabs and we won't shy away from anything.[LNB]"It has dropped for Preston and they have sneaked in with a late surge, having some great results in the process, so we know it won't be easy.[LNB]"But the lads are positive and the battle carries on. We are the third best team in this division, so we can be confident and believe in our ability."[LNB][LNB] Preston 11/8, Sheff Utd 7/4, Draw 11/5  

Source: Team_Talk