Mark previews tough trip to the KC Stadium
Mark Robins told htafc.com that a big performance is needed from his side if it is to knock Hull City out of the Capital One Cup.
The Tigers, who are expected to ring the changes on Tuesday night, recorded a superb 3-2 victory at St James’ Park on Saturday and are currently 11th in the Premier League.
“It will be a very tough game,” said Mark. “We played them last season at home and lost 1-0 and the only bit of quality came from George Boyd, who stuck the ball in the top corner. There wasn’t much between the sides on the day.
“They will make plenty of changes from the team that beat Newcastle on the weekend. I saw the highlights from their win and their performance was excellent as were the goals they scored. They will be full of confidence.
“Whoever Steve Bruce picks to play on Tuesday night, his players will be out to make an impression and I expect the same from the players that I pick. The way to do that is to win the game and get through to the next round. We will need to produce a big performance to do that, though.”
Town’s U21s have made an unbeaten start to the U21 Professional Development League 2 North and Robins hinted that one or two of Steve Eyre’s squad could be given a chance at the KC.
“The schedule dictates what we do because we have a very quick turnaround ahead of Blackpool on Friday. It is a big week for us; one that will be interesting and exciting. I have plenty of options and there will be an opportunity to impress for one or two.
“Any changes that are made will be done on merit and for the right reasons. I have planned accordingly and will select a side on Tuesday night that is experienced, but also has one or two new faces. That is the exciting bit for me because one or two have done well in the Under-21s and I want to see if they can produce that on the big stage when it really matters.
“Also, the lads who have been on the fringes of the First Team will have an opportunity to impress and lay claim to a shirt. We will be underdogs but we have a fighting chance and we think we can cause an upset. We have players who can create and score goals.”
Joel Lynch suffered a knock to his knee at Ewood Park and looks unlikely to feature on Tuesday night.
“Joel is hobbling about, but I know that he made a big improvement on Sunday. I am hopeful that he will be fit for Friday, if not Tuesday night.”
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