When did you begin training again?

I got going on Tuesday morning. There weren’t many of us as the international players were away with their countries. Most of them got back this morning and we’re currently on the bus and on our way to Blackburn.

So you’ve not really had the time to prepare for this match?

Indeed. Apart from a little get together this morning, we haven’t been able to work collectively.

Did the players on international duty return with a clean bill of health?

Everyone got back in good shape except for Dyer who was injured with England. He’s out tomorrow but, that aside, the rest of the side is fine. I can tell you that Bellamy is wearing a beaming smile. He’s over the moon to have scored a goal against Italy. (laughs)

Has the week’s break done you good?

Yes, physically and mentally I needed a breather. Since returning from injury I’ve clocked up quite a few games and was beginning to feel a little tired so this break came at a good time as we’re about to embark on a rigorous period with a match every three days. So, from Tuesday, we put a stop to our physical work.

How do you see tomorrow’s match?

I’m confident as we go into the game on the back of three consecutive Premiership victories. Now we have to hope that the players who arrived back this morning aren’t too tired but I feel it will go well. 

Before leaving you I was wanting to apologise for not having passed on my news earlier. It’s ten days since we last spoke and I learnt that rumbles of discontent were beginning in the forum! Sorry again.

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