GALLEN: 'ENJOY THE OCCASION'Posted on: Thu 06 May 2010
Steve Gallen admits Rangers will 'probably start as favourites' when they lock horns with Stockport County in the Football League Youth Alliance Final this evening - but insists his side will take nothing for granted.
Speaking exclusively to
www.qpr.co.uk ahead of tonight's 7.00pm kick-off in W12, Gallen said: "We will probably start as favourites, because we're at home and we're a Championship Club, but I don't mind either way, we've just got to do our best and try to win the tie.
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"Some people would say it's an advantage (playing at home); others would say it's a disadvantage.
"We played here last year in the Final and lost. Grimsby came down and deserved to beat us 2-1."
Gallen added: "Loftus Road is a great ground - Birchy just said it's pretty much the best ground in the whole League and the Premiership as well! I'm not quite sure I agree with that - there might be a bit of bias going on there!
"But in all honesty, it's a great ground and when there are a few fans in it, there can be a decent atmosphere.
"Stockport will come here and raise their game. It's a great occasion for them.
"I'm not really sure if it's an advantage for us in that respect, although we trained here and it's a familiar environment for the lads.
"Listen, all we can do is go out and perform to the best of our ability and hope we get our hands on the trophy."
Gallen admits he doesn't know too much about tonight's opponents, having only watched them on a couple of occasions recently. However, he is in confident mood.
"We don't know too much about them to be honest," he said.
"I watched them in their Northern Area Final a couple of weeks ago and the game was very tight.
"It was a game of two halves, with Stockport deservedly coming back into it in the second half.
"The tie ended up going to penalties and they prevailed. Their a decent side. They're a very hardworking team and it should be a decent game.
"But we've been very good at the start of games.
"We've scored a lot of goals in the first ten minutes of games this season and not conceded many at the same time.
"We do start quite brightly - it's something we encourage of the lads and work hard on in training.
"We'll have a right go at them and see what we can get.
"We've just got to stay strong when we're defending and be a little bit more clinical in front of goal than we have been in recent weeks.
"If we do that, then I'm sure we'll win the game."
Livewire winger Elliott Cox is a doubt for the R's after injuring his ankle last weekend - but Gallen is willing to give the midfielder every chance to prove his fitness between now and kick-off.
"Elliott hasn't trained this week and it's a big blow, but we'll give him every chance to prove his fitness.
"He did a little bit with the physio yesterday and if he's ok, he'll play - no doubt about that.
"I'd like the fans to see him - he's got pace and determination.
"Birchy likens him a bit to Gareth Ainsworth - he's a similar style, all action and very strong.
"Fingers crossed he'll be fit."
Tickets for the tie are available, priced: Adults - £3; Senior Citizens & Under 16s (no student reductions) - £1; Under-8s - free.
Call the Box Office now on 08444 777 007 to reserve your seat!