ON THE SUNDERLAND WIN
I think the game was a more complete performance over a sustained period. We’ve had those spells in other games, against Wigan we had a sustained period for 60 minutes, but against Sunderland we had a longer period. Every game is different but in terms of our mentality the win against Sunderland must be the one to build on. We need to better in possession and out of it on a consistent basis, we always need to be getting better but we’re showing positive signs. We break away from the league this weekend against a team that are bang in form in the league and we’re looking forward to it.
ON THE PLAYERS’ POST-CHELTENHAM DISCUSSION
It can only help as it shows they care. They’re serious about their jobs and about this football club. Whenever player get together and have discussions like that, as a manager I will only endorse it. I’m glad Chey Dunkley said it because it shows how they care and about going about their business.
ON THEO CORBEANU STAYING WITH WEDNESDAY
He’s right, he’s here on a season-long loan. We’ve seen glimpses of him and what he can do. The competition for Theo is fierce and his performance on Tuesday night will do him no harm. It’s pleasing to hear him say that, he’s here on loan but has already got a great affinity for the football club. The timing to put him in was spot on, when you put him in you want him to perform and he did that. We’ve worked with him and we’re pleased with where he is at now, he’s learnt a lot and we felt Tuesday was the right time to unleash him.
ON OUR LEAGUE GAME AT PLYMOUTH
Our energy needs to be better. I don’t think we could complain with the result because I don’t feel we showed the level of performance we want to bring to Sheffield Wednesday. We went there early in the season and were finding our feet, but now we need to be better on Sunday to compete and hopefully make it an entertaining cup-tie. Both teams will be looking forward to trying to get into the second round.
ON NATHANIEL MENDEZ-LAING
He’s in the process of blowing off the cobwebs. He’s a good man and it’s great that he can come in and train with us. He’s just come in to train with us but obviously it would be silly not to look at him, he’s on a free transfer, he asked us to come here so I said ‘why not.’ You can never have enough attacking players, scoring goals is the hardest part of the game. If we felt it was right then we would have no hesitation but no decision has been made and he’s just here to train for now.
LOAN PLAYERS IN THE CUP
All our loan players have been given permission to play in the FA Cup by their clubs which we’re very grateful for. All of them are eligible to play on Sunday.
ON LIAM WALDOCK AND CIARAN BRENNAN
We’ve got Liam Waldock back with us and it’ll be good for me to see where he’s at. Myself and my staff will assess him over the next few weeks. We want to take a look at him to see if he can get some chances here or if he would benefit for another loan but at a club higher up the leagues. Ciaran Brennan is still out on loan and available for Notts County this weekend.
ON SAM HUTCHINSON
Sam Hutchinson is making good progress. When he comes back we want him to stay back so we have to be careful with him but he’s making good progress. The last thing we want is to play him for one game and lose him for more.
ON FA CUP MEMORIES
The furthest I got to when I was playing was when we reached the quarter final stage with West Brom in our promotion season, but we lost to Fulham. The excitement of it all was excellent and that’s why as a manager I’m glad it’s back this weekend. It’s going to be a great game with two team going head-to-head on TV, it’s a great occasion.
ON DOMINIC IORFA
We’re going to speak to the doctor after his scan and I’ll be able to give a further update next week. We want to be clear in our thoughts on him so I wouldn’t want to say anything until after I’ve spoken to the doctor.
ON MASSIMO LUONGO AND GEORGE BYERS
They could be 50/50 for Plymouth. The only thing that will be stopping them is the amount of training they’ve had but they are both available. They’ve been training well and will continue to work back to full fitness.