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Clarets test for McIlroy
Morecambe will be eyeing a second Championship scalp when they welcome Burnley to the Globe Arena in the Carling Cup tonight.
The Shrimps accounted for Coventry City in the first round, pulling off a 2-0 victory.
Brian Laws’ Clarets side are expected to provide an even tougher test, but it’s one Sammy McIlroy is keenly awaiting.
A cup run isn’t his priority though, however welcome it is financially.
McIlroy wants to see Morecambe up and running in League Two after an uncertain start to the season, which has seen them take just a point from their opening three games.
They snatched defeat from the jaws of victory at Burton on Saturday, having led 2-1 with 15 minutes left.
But two late goals saw them leave empty-handed.
McIlroy said: “It’s going to be very tough against Burnley, we’re under no illusions about that. We will aim to do our best and hope that our best is good enough.
“Burnley are a strong side, they were in the Premier League last season and I wouldn’t be surprised if they go straight back up this year.
“We know what the task is all about tonight and hopefully we can cause a shock.
“There will be a big crowd, which is fantastic, and the atmosphere will be good.
“My main concern is our league form though.
“Tonight’s game will hopefully help our preparations for Saturday’s match against Gillingham.”
To say McIlroy was disappointed by the weekend’s reverse at Burton is an understatement.
After conceding in the first minute, two Andy Fleming goals put the Shrimps in the driving seat, only for Burton to stage a late rally.
Said McIlroy: “It was very disappointing. At 2-1 we had the game won – there was no problem whatsoever.
“Burton had got to the stage of pumping high balls into the box, which shouldn’t have caused us any problems.
“The only way we were going to lose the game was because of mistakes on our part, and that’s what happened.”
Morecambe will give fitness tests to Barry Roche and Adam Rundle, but both should be fit.
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Weather for Preston
Wednesday 08 February 2012
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