Our third derby - 11/09/2002

A great debut goal

The Leeds match is always more than just another game, to me they represent our third derby after Sunderland and Middlesbrough. Added to the fact that they’re a great Premiership team, I really think tonight’s match is going to be a great game. It’s not surprising that SKY have taken the game.

After some good England performances at the weekend, I’m sure Alan Smith, Lee Bowyer, and Jon Woodgate will be looking to build on their performances. I was impressed by Smith, he took his goal very well and has earned himself a lot of praise. Given our recent record against Leeds, I’m also sure that their players will definitely be up for the game. However we’re doing well, and with a full squad to choose from, the boss will be looking for players to prove their worth in the side and to show a real will to win. Everybody is on their toes, one slip and you could be out of the team – that’s the beauty of having a good and healthy squad!

On a personl front, training is going well for me. I’ve been playing well in the reserve games and even managed a couple of goals. However, there’s a lack of reserve team games at the present so a ‘behind closed doors’ friendly has been arranged for tomorrow. I think it’s also been arranged to help Craig return to full match practice, but I’ll be using it to stake a claim in the side – and so will a few others!

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