Lita Looks To United Clash

Leroy Lita was delighted to score against his former club on Boxing Day, and he hopes to keep his place in the team and get a result against Manchester United on Saturday.

Leroy was on Chelsea’s books as a youngster, as well as being a fan of theirs, and he was pleased to play a key role in our 2-2 draw this past Boxing Day.

Lita said, ‘It was nice to score, especially as I’ve not played in a while.

‘I supported Chelsea as a boy and I dreamed of scoring there as a pro. I’ve scored there in the youth team but this was my first game there as a pro.’

Lita hopes to remain in the starting line-up for our weekend trip to Old Trafford, but is respectful of the manager’s decision.

‘I want to play in every game but it’s up to the gaffer. He will do what’s best for the team.’

The striker has been somewhat unfortunate not to play more, with Steve Coppell admitting that he should have been selected for more games.

He also made most of his appearances in our especially tough run of fixtures in the autumn, but he is keen to quickly make as big an impact as possible.

‘It’s been difficult. When I was in the team we didn’t get much of the ball, then other lads came in and did well and I respect that. When I came out of the team we played opposition that were more equal to us.

‘But as long as the team do well then who cares?’

Leroy believes we can get another result against the table-topping Red Devils at the weekend, saying, ‘Hopefully we can get another result, that would be nice for myself and the team.

‘It’ll be tough, we know that, we’ll work hard again, do our study on them and prepare fully.’