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Oldham Athletic v Leeds United: Forget Old Trafford trip, warns Grayson
LEEDS United manager Simon Grayson has stressed that winning promotion is more important than playing Manchester United.
The draw for the third round of the FA Cup has offered Leeds the possibility of a trip to Old Trafford – if they can beat Blue Square Premier side Kettering Town in next week's second round replay.
While Grayson, a lifelong Leeds supporter, fully understands the rivalry that exists between the two Roses clubs, there is no questioning where his priorities lie this season.
"All these things are a good distraction," said Grayson. "We're still in the draw and it's an opportunity but I'd quite happily take promotion.
"We have too many big games coming up to think about it," he added. "Players know what they need to do and they are very focused on each game as it comes. They know if they start thinking too far ahead they will be out of the team."
Leeds visit Oldham tonight and Grayson would happily settle for a repeat of the 2-0 victory they recorded at Boundary Park in the second round of the FA Cup just over three weeks ago.
His side is six points clear of second-placed Charlton with a game in hand but the Leeds manager is reluctant to read anything into league positions at this stage of the season
"By the time you get to the end of December, you will have a good idea where we will be," he said.
"If we're still six points clear then, we still won't be promoted, but things will take shape over the next month or so. That's the same for every team. We have to try and utilise our squad and keep our focus.
"A lot of teams might find they haven't got the strength in depth that maybe we have. We have to remain positive and focused on what we are doing."
Although captain Richard Naylor, goalkeeper Shane Higgs, defender Ben Parker and winger Bradley Johnson remained sidelined tonight with injuries, Leeds are boosted by the return of loanees Max Gradel and Sam Vokes, who were both ineligible for the FA Cup, defender Patrick Kisnorbo and striker Tresor Kandol, who was granted compassionate leave last weekend.
New signings David Martin and and Hogan Ephraim are also in the squad for the first time.
The FA Cup replay against Kettering on Tuesday, December 8 will be screened live on ITV4 (8.0pm). It will be the third successive FA Cup game featuring Leeds to be screened this season.
Last six games: Oldham WLLLDL, Leeds WWWWWD.
Last time: Oldham 0 Leeds 2, November 7, 2009, FA Cup first round.
Referee: CH Webster (Tyne and Wear).
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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