‘We’ll prepare as if we’re playing Manchester United’ say Bolton (From York Press)

‘We’ll prepare as if we’re playing Manchester United’ say Bolton

10:35am Saturday 8th January 2011 in Sport

BOLTON Wanderers manager Owen Coyle has insisted that he will be taking York City as seriously as three-time European champions Manchester United in today’s FA Cup clash between the two clubs.

Despite signalling his intention to rest some players for the third round home meeting with non-League City, Coyle is demanding that whatever team he puts out will need to maintain their top-flight standards to avoid an upset.

The Trotters chief said: “It will be a difficult game, no doubt about it, and their Cup final. They are a club with a tremendous history who will be coming to a magnificent stadium looking to show that they can play a bit as well.

“But we’ll be preparing from the onset as if we’re playing Manchester United in the Premier League and ensuring anyone who takes the field will be at their absolute maximum.”

Former Telford defender Sam Ricketts is expected to be handed a rare start and, having reached the fourth round as a Conference player himself, has also warned of the capacity for a shock.

He said: “I know exactly what these games mean to the players and fans at these clubs. I know there are good players at that level and you definitely can’t take them lightly.”

Harrogate-based forward Robbie Blake, who is yet to make a Premier League start for Bolton since his summer move from Burnley, has also been assured he will feature in the first XI and believes home advantage will count.

He said: “We’d have dreaded going to their place more and, if we apply ourselves properly, there shouldn’t be any problems.”