O'Leary Relishes The Challenge
O'Leary Revels In Liberty Spotlight |
Why not visit our sponsors lounge Maybe add to that the chance of one more lucrative contract or, in the case of Premiership players another seven figure addition to the bank balance is there. But this is Swansea, this is Kristian O'Leary and this is a man thinking of the play offs and the second tier of English football. And what a funny season it has been. It seemed as if his Swansea career may be over when he was farmed off to Cheltenham on loan before Christimas, and such was his impact, it was widely expected that he may make that move permanent when the window was open in January. It never materialised and, one change of management later, Kris is back in the fold in central midfield as the Swans drive for a second consecutive dabble with the play offs. "It's pressure but I do enjoy it; it would be pretty boring if we didn't have anything going on," O'Leary told the Western Mail "Over the last few years we always seem to have something on the last game. But I wouldn't like it if we came to this stage of the season with nothing to play for." And with two games left to play in the 46 game version of the season, O'Leary is completely aware of the task ahead of the side, and he reflected on the weekend trip to Carlisle "All the years I've been up there it's never been an easy place to go and play football," said the midfielder. "But we'll go there with a positive attitude. There's no point hoping things just happen, we'll be going all out for the result. "Of course, there is pressure on it but the boys are now thinking that we can do this. "We've got more belief in our play and the way we go about the games. We'll definitely be confident going up to Carlisle. "You've got to remember there's going to be pressure on them as well and I'm sure they'll have memories of the (Football League Trophy) cup final last year. "It would be nice to go up there and guarantee that we beat them 4-0. But that's not going to happen, "These games are tough and a few of the boys were saying after Brighton on Saturday that it's one of the hardest games we've had. "You just want to get the job done and not concede anything in the last few minutes. We knew a goal would cost us dearly. "As the manager says, 90 minutes could improve everyone's life at the club and in the city. "You could feel the relief when the final whistle went against Brighton - and I'd rather be on the pitch than in the stand at Carlisle!" Meanwhile, the Swans have announced that every fan who watches them at Carlisle this weekend will get a £10 voucher for the club shop as a reward for their efforts Swans Chairman Huw Jenkins explained "It's just a small gesture from the club in appreciation of the fans' support." "It's a very long way to Carlisle, but I know we'll have tremendous support at Brunton Park - as we did at Bristol City and Bournemouth recently." "And with Carlisle being such an important game, Roberto and the team will need all the vocal support they can get.'' |