07-02-2025, 10:12
HECK
Paul Heckingbottom says preparations for Saturday’s FA Cup tie against Wycombe Wanderers aren’t being taken lightly, with the PNE boss well aware of the quality the opponents possess.
It’s Championship plays League One at Deepdale in the fourth round, however the Chairboys will be hoping that in a few months’ time they can call themselves a second-tier side again.
North End have already got the better of two lower-league opponents so far this season – Harrogate Town and Charlton Athletic – and they’ll be hoping to do the same again this weekend to earn a place in the fifth round.
Hecky said: “The moment we don't treat a game at home against Wycombe the same as we did Fulham or Arsenal is the moment we come unstuck. Whoever’s in front of us, we’ll try and win. That’s it.
“They’re up there for a reason. You can see how tough Charlton were as a team who are well organised, the calibre of player they've got and the squad they've got, and they gave us a really tough game.
“Wycombe are above them in the league. They're there on merit for how effective they are, especially when they're attacking, and their style of play, how effective that is. We’re expecting an even tougher game this weekend.
“They'll come here trying to impress a new manager as well. We're preparing for a really, really good, tough, competitive game.”
The manager provided a team news update ahead of the clash, confirming that Robbie Brady will miss out again, while Will Keane remains a doubt.
Jordan Storey, who picked up an injury in the defeat to Blackburn Rovers, isn’t expected to feature prior to the March international break.
That left a gap in defence which has been filled by the addition of Ryan Porteous on loan from Watford, however the defender is cup-tied for this clash.
Hecky said: “He's a good footballer, better than people think because people see how aggressive he is and how wholehearted he is when he tackles and what he gives to try and win a game.
“But with that you'll see someone who likes to have the football, takes the ball and he's a goal threat in the opposition's box as well.
“He fits in terms of what he can do as a footballer. He's already shown that at Watford and he’s a Scottish international, however as a person as well his personality will fit great with these lads here.
“I'm sure as the days and weeks go on he'll really realise what a good decision he's made to come to us for the rest of the season.”
Paul Heckingbottom says preparations for Saturday’s FA Cup tie against Wycombe Wanderers aren’t being taken lightly, with the PNE boss well aware of the quality the opponents possess.
It’s Championship plays League One at Deepdale in the fourth round, however the Chairboys will be hoping that in a few months’ time they can call themselves a second-tier side again.
North End have already got the better of two lower-league opponents so far this season – Harrogate Town and Charlton Athletic – and they’ll be hoping to do the same again this weekend to earn a place in the fifth round.
Hecky said: “The moment we don't treat a game at home against Wycombe the same as we did Fulham or Arsenal is the moment we come unstuck. Whoever’s in front of us, we’ll try and win. That’s it.
“They’re up there for a reason. You can see how tough Charlton were as a team who are well organised, the calibre of player they've got and the squad they've got, and they gave us a really tough game.
“Wycombe are above them in the league. They're there on merit for how effective they are, especially when they're attacking, and their style of play, how effective that is. We’re expecting an even tougher game this weekend.
“They'll come here trying to impress a new manager as well. We're preparing for a really, really good, tough, competitive game.”
The manager provided a team news update ahead of the clash, confirming that Robbie Brady will miss out again, while Will Keane remains a doubt.
Jordan Storey, who picked up an injury in the defeat to Blackburn Rovers, isn’t expected to feature prior to the March international break.
That left a gap in defence which has been filled by the addition of Ryan Porteous on loan from Watford, however the defender is cup-tied for this clash.
Hecky said: “He's a good footballer, better than people think because people see how aggressive he is and how wholehearted he is when he tackles and what he gives to try and win a game.
“But with that you'll see someone who likes to have the football, takes the ball and he's a goal threat in the opposition's box as well.
“He fits in terms of what he can do as a footballer. He's already shown that at Watford and he’s a Scottish international, however as a person as well his personality will fit great with these lads here.
“I'm sure as the days and weeks go on he'll really realise what a good decision he's made to come to us for the rest of the season.”
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