PAUL HECKINGBOTTOM: IT IS GOING TO BE TOUGH

PAUL HECKINGBOTTOM: IT IS GOING TO BE TOUGH

Head coach on Middlesbrough.

The adverse weather conditions have been causing problems around the country, but it has been business as usual for Paul Heckingbottom and his Leeds United side.

After defeating Brentford 1-0 last Saturday, the Whites head north to Middlesbrough on Friday night, looking to make it four games unbeaten in the Sky Bet Championship.

Heckingbottom has spoken about making full use of the facilities Thorp Arch offers during the wintry weather and also what he is expecting from Friday’s opponents.

“We’ve had to train inside for a couple of days,” said Heckingbottom.

“We’ve got the covers on the pitches, so they were playable, but as we were clearing the snow from the covers, it has continuously been coming down, so we haven’t managed to get on the grass in the last two days.

“We have a good indoor facility though and we have used that, so we haven’t been affected by it too much.

“The game is on and we are preparing for it, we have played lots of teams who are above us in the league and we now have two more.

“These next two games against Middlesbrough away and Wolves at home are really big games for us, we want them on and we want to be playing these sides.

“The win last Saturday was the first one in a long time, lots of people had been waiting for that and hopefully it is the first of many now.

“Middlesbrough have been difficult to play against recently, they have lots more threats and a set-piece element has been added to the team and their game.

“They have been more consistent, have grinded out lots of results, managed to move up the table and they find themselves in a really strong position now.  

“We know it is going to be tough regardless because of the players they have and likewise Tony Pulis has the team really well organised now.”

Heckingbottom also gave an update on Pablo Hernandez, Kemar Roofe and Adam Forshaw who all missed last Saturday’s victory.

“It will be touch and go for both Pablo and Kemar, but we have no reason to risk them.

“Between now and the end of the season, barring the international week, we have really congested fixtures.

“We need everyone fit and available and 100% over this period, so if there is any doubt we won’t risk them, but if they are fine and available, we will use them.

“Adam has had a little baby boy and everyone is doing well, he has been in training from Monday with the rest of the players and he is fit and available.”

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