Hodgson untroubled by cup failings

23 August 2011 09:30

Roy Hodgson remains unconcerned about his abject Carling Cup record ahead of West Brom's trip to Bournemouth in the second round on Tuesday night.

The Baggies boss has had so many nights to forget in the competition that he has admitted he cannot even remember its name. Indeed, Hodgson is also under the mistaken impression he has failed to win a single tie since returning to England almost four years ago.

"I've yet to win a Carlsberg Cup tie, or whatever you call it," said Hodgson, who spent most of his managerial career on the continent. "I don't even know what it's called and I've yet to win one. So I've got a 100% record since coming back to England. I've played four, lost four, I think. That's how it goes."

Hodgson's Black Country rival Mick McCarthy, the Wolves boss, will be less half-hearted about his own team's involvement but will nevertheless feature a much-changed line-up when they travel to Northampton.

McCarthy has confirmed his team will feature "lots of changes" but expects the winning streak to be extended following two from two in the Barclays Premier League.

"Each and every one of those players has to play in the Premier League," McCarthy said.

"This is not a reserve team, it is a Premier League team and I expect them to win."

Brendan Rodgers insists Swansea will not be taking the competition lightly, even though their priority this season is Premier League survival.

Rodgers said: "Momentum is very important in football and we have had a couple of good performances, in particular on Saturday where we dominated with parts of our game, and we want to develop that and get a positive result.

"The cup is an important competition as we want to get some momentum in a competition we want to do well in."

Source: PA