Manager Nigel Pearson has spoken about the competitive spirit within the squad that is driving the players on to keeping their performance levels high in our turn around in form as we head to the end of the Premier League season.
Audio – Pearson Not Taking Burnley Lightly
With a few notable long term absentees injury wise, for a large part we haven’t been too badly troubled on that front and for Pearson that means competition for places has been consistently high and he credits that as being key to our performances even when results weren’t going our way.
Speaking to lcfc.com ahead of the clash against Burnley this weekend that could possibly have a major impact on the outlook of the table come the end of the season, Pearson explained.
‘We talk about it being a squad game and what is important is that players feel that they get a chance. Marc Albrighton has had a difficult season and has probably felt frustrated at times, but the players playing in wide positions have been exceptionally good all year. What he has done is taken his chance once it`s come along. Throughout the side there`s a competitive spirit, but also a lot of support for the players who aren`t playing.’
Pearson goes on to say that you can also look at Danny Drinkwater who was voted Player of the Year in our Championship title winning season, but he’s also had far fewer appearances than he would’ve hoped for given the form of others.
‘But let me tell you, when he got the nod to go on as a second half substitute, he was nothing other than focused on doing a job for the team. I think that is again very commendable in terms of how the players view the situation that we`re in and there is a lot of respect for each other. I think that`s very important for us at this stage.’
As for Burnley a little more specifically, the gaffer confirmed that two players would undergo late fitness tests ahead of the game.
David Nugent is one of them, having missed the Swansea game having picked up a calf problem during the warm up, and Marcin Wasilewski is the other with him being substituted at half time in that game having suffered a dead leg.
In other news though Dean Hammond came through more than an hour in the recent Development Squad game as he continues building himself up,and Zoumana Bakayogo continues to be a long term absentee with his knee problem.
‘We`ve still got one or two bumps and bruises that we`re just having a look at so we`ll probably wait until tomorrow to make final decisions. I think going into our last game we had more or less a full squad. Nuge will be touch and go. Marcin should be okay.’
With Nugent’s fine form against Burnley, having scored five goals in the last seven games against them, Pearson joked that he’s always reminding him of that record but it won’t tempt him into rushing him back if he’s not 100% ready to play this weekend.
‘Nuge always reminds me of it. He`s got one or two teams he`s been particularly productive against on a personal level. Ultimately, team selection comes down to what`s right for the team, basically. We`ve got a heavy week coming up, so when you get situations like that, there are different things to consider. This is the most important game because it`s our next one. That`s how we`re viewing it, and I`m sure Burnley are as well. It`s a big game for both sides.’
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