What The Papers Say? - Little: Just Go For It!

By Quayle
December 30 2004

Epsiode 3 of What The Papers Say? today we take a look at Little's attitude towards how Tranmere should enter thei upcoming games. Todays paper is the Liverpool Echo.

Newspaper : Liverpool Echo

Author : Rob Brady

No holds barred as Rovers boss insists 'just go for it'

BRIAN LITTLE has told his Tranmere players to throw caution to the wind in the pursuit of points.

Key players Jason McAteer, Iain Hume and Mark Rankine are just one booking away from suspension.

Yet Rovers, desperate to haul in leaders Luton and Hull, can ill-afford to rest personnel simply to prevent them being banned for the same match.

Manager Little said: "It's just part and parcel of the game. Most clubs will have a player or two on the verge of suspension at this stage of the season. We have no consideration other than to go for it in every game.

"There may be a game when we have a couple of people missing, but that is just the way football is. Maybe a Premiership side could legislate for it, but at our level you just have to pick your strongest team and try to win."

Little is pleased with his side's points haul as they move into the second half of the season. Rovers have collected 45 points from 24 league games, yet still lie some way behind second-placed Hull on 50 points, while leaders Luton have 52.

He said: "Hull and Luton's return is phenomenal. To have 50 points or more at the halfway stage is unbelievable. I have told my players not to be frustrated about being in third place. All we can do is try to win our games."

Meanwhile, Port Vale are keen to extend Tyrone Loran's loan spell. The Dutch defender's month-long stay at Vale Park is coming to an end, although the Staffordshire club has yet to make a formal approach to Rovers.