McMahon eyes Bolton hat-trick
Paul Hassall, 29th Mar 2010 - LiverpoolFC.tv
John McMahon is confident Liverpool Reserves will bounce back to winning ways when they face Bolton in tonight's Barclays Premier Reserve League North clash – a match you can watch exclusively live on this website from 7pm BST.
The Reds struggled to hit their best form as they were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Wigan last time out, and the second-string's coach is eager to see a response from his players as they bid to close the gap on leaders Manchester United.
"The lads are aware we can do better and I'd like to think there will be a reaction tonight," he told Liverpoolfc.tv.
"We have a couple of first-team squad players with us so that should help us. Nabil El Zhar will play some part to get some minutes, as will David Ngog and Damien Plessis. It gives them some minutes because they haven't played a lot of football recently."
Liverpool will be hoping to complete a hat-trick of victories over the Trotters, having already beaten them in both the league and the Lancashire Senior Cup earlier this season.
McMahon accepts his side will be expected to pick up the three points, but insists they must not underestimate a team languishing at the foot of the table.
"It's always difficult when you play someone three or four times a season.," he said. "We play Wigan again next week, so it can be tough.
"But Bolton are a good footballing side. We've ran out comfortable winners in the past and if the lads apply themselves in the right way then you would like to think we have the quality to go on and win the game.
"I don't think you can underestimate any of the sides. You don't know what kind of team they are going to put out, they may include senior players. I think whatever team they put out will be right up for it because they are facing Liverpool."
The Reds will welcome David Amoo, Daniel Pacheco and Gerardo Bruna back into the fold for the match at the County Ground, but McMahon revealed that Francisco Duran will not be involved, after picking up an injury against the Latics.
"Francisco did really, really well but unfortunately he picked up an injury in the last game," he said. "I thought there were some heavy challenges on him. He did well to carry on for as long as he did, but he's picked up an ankle injury now and it rules him out of the game."
Paul Hassall, 29th Mar 2010 - LiverpoolFC.tv
John McMahon is confident Liverpool Reserves will bounce back to winning ways when they face Bolton in tonight's Barclays Premier Reserve League North clash – a match you can watch exclusively live on this website from 7pm BST.
The Reds struggled to hit their best form as they were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Wigan last time out, and the second-string's coach is eager to see a response from his players as they bid to close the gap on leaders Manchester United.
"The lads are aware we can do better and I'd like to think there will be a reaction tonight," he told Liverpoolfc.tv.
"We have a couple of first-team squad players with us so that should help us. Nabil El Zhar will play some part to get some minutes, as will David Ngog and Damien Plessis. It gives them some minutes because they haven't played a lot of football recently."
Liverpool will be hoping to complete a hat-trick of victories over the Trotters, having already beaten them in both the league and the Lancashire Senior Cup earlier this season.
McMahon accepts his side will be expected to pick up the three points, but insists they must not underestimate a team languishing at the foot of the table.
"It's always difficult when you play someone three or four times a season.," he said. "We play Wigan again next week, so it can be tough.
"But Bolton are a good footballing side. We've ran out comfortable winners in the past and if the lads apply themselves in the right way then you would like to think we have the quality to go on and win the game.
"I don't think you can underestimate any of the sides. You don't know what kind of team they are going to put out, they may include senior players. I think whatever team they put out will be right up for it because they are facing Liverpool."
The Reds will welcome David Amoo, Daniel Pacheco and Gerardo Bruna back into the fold for the match at the County Ground, but McMahon revealed that Francisco Duran will not be involved, after picking up an injury against the Latics.
"Francisco did really, really well but unfortunately he picked up an injury in the last game," he said. "I thought there were some heavy challenges on him. He did well to carry on for as long as he did, but he's picked up an ankle injury now and it rules him out of the game."
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